Payette River (North Fork)
Fly fishing in Idaho · Intermediate · Best seasons: Summer, Fall
Target Species
Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout
About This Water
Near McCall with rainbow and bull trout. Beautiful mountain fishing near resort town.
Fishing Recommendations
The North Fork of the Payette River in Idaho is a river of two faces. While world-famous for its terrifying Class V whitewater in the "Canyon" section, for the fly angler, the upper reaches near McCall and the "Cabarton" stretch offer some of the most scenic and rewarding trout fishing in the Gem State.
Here is your guide to fishing the North Fork.
🎣 Location Overview
The North Fork Payette is a high-elevation fishery that begins in the mountains north of McCall, flows through Payette Lake, meanders through a lush meadow valley, and eventually plunges into a steep, rocky canyon.
What makes this water special is the variety of character. You can find slow, technical "spring creek" style water in the McCall Meanders (between McCall and Lake Cascade) and classic freestone pocket water in the Cabarton stretch (below Cascade Dam). The scenery is classic Idaho—towering ponderosa pines, granite boulders, and crystal-clear water. It is a haven for those who want to escape the crowds of the more famous South Fork of the Snake or the Henry’s Fork.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
Rainbow Trout
The North Fork is home to spirited wild Rainbows and some supplemental stockers near heavy access points.
- Behavior: In the "Meanders," they are opportunistic but can be spooky due to the flat, clear water. In the faster water below Cascade, they hold in classic "soft spots"—behind boulders, in current seams, and in the "cushion" in front of rocks.
Bull Trout
The North Fork is a critical habitat for the ESA-listed Bull Trout.
- Behavior: These are the apex predators of the river. They are migratory, often moving from the lakes into the river to spawn in late summer and fall.
- Feeding: They are piscivorous (fish-eaters). While you may hook one on a nymph, they are most often encountered when they "chase" a smaller trout you’ve already hooked.
- Note: Bull Trout are Catch and Release only (see Regulations).
📅 Best Times to Fish
Optimal Seasons
- Summer (July – August): This is the prime window. Once the high-mountain runoff subsides (usually by late June), the hatches go into overdrive.
- Fall (September – October): My personal favorite. The crowds vanish, the Kokanee salmon begin to run from the lakes (attracting big predators), and the Bull Trout become more active. The water temperatures are perfect.
Best Times of Day
- Summer: Early morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and "the magic hour" before sunset. Mid-day can be slow unless there is a heavy terrestrial breeze.
- Fall: Late morning through mid-afternoon as the water warms up.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Dry Flies (The Main Event)
The North Fork is a fantastic "dry-dropper" river.
- Stimulators (Size 8-12): Orange or Royal. Great for imitating the Golden Stones.
- Hopper Patterns (Size 10-14): Dave’s Hopper or Morrish Hopper. Essential for the meadow sections in August.
- Parachute Adams (Size 14-18): The ultimate searcher pattern for the Meanders.
- Elk Hair Caddis (Size 14-16): Tan or Olive for the evening rise.
Nymphs
- Pat’s Rubber Legs (Size 8-12): This is the "meat and potatoes" nymph for the Cabarton stretch.
- Bead-head Prince Nymphs & Pheasant Tails (Size 14-18): Standard droppers.
- Perdigons: In flashy colors to cut through the faster current.
Streamers (For Bull Trout & Large Rainbows)
- Sex Dungeon or Sparkle Minnow: Use these in deep pools or near woody debris in the fall. White, Olive, or "Black/Articulated" patterns work best to imitate juvenile whitefish or trout.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Meander" Stealth: In the flat water between McCall and Cascade, the fish can see you from a mile away. Stay low, wear drab clothing, and use longer leaders (9ft–12ft) with 5x tippet.
- The Kokanee Factor: In late August and September, Kokanee Salmon move out of the lakes into the river to spawn. They turn bright red. Look for big Rainbows and Bull Trout lurking behind the Kokanee redds to eat displaced eggs. An egg pattern can be lethal during this time.
- The "Cabarton" Float: If you have a raft or drift boat, the Cabarton reach is a world-class Class II float. It allows you to reach pocket water that walk-and-wade anglers simply cannot get to.
- Mind the Temperature: In late August, the water below Cascade Dam can get warm. If the water hits 68°F, give the fish a break and head to the higher-elevation headwaters where it's cooler.
⚠️ Important Information
Access
- Upper North Fork: Accessible via Smith Ferry-High Valley Rd and various pull-offs along Highway 55.
- The Meanders: Multiple bridge crossings near McCall offer access, and much of it is navigable by canoe or SUP.
- Cabarton: Access is found below the Cascade Dam and at the Cabarton bridge.
Regulations & Permits
- Bull Trout: Must be released immediately. Do not remove them from the water for photos.
- Barbless Hooks: Highly recommended to protect the wild fishery.
- License: You need a valid Idaho Fishing License.
- Invasive Species: If you are bringing a boat from out of state, you must have an Idaho Invasive Species Sticker.
Special Considerations
The North Fork flows through heavy "Bear Country." Both Black Bears and the occasional Grizzly have been sighted in the McCall/Payette National Forest area. Carry bear spray and keep your snacks sealed.
Watch the flows: The North Fork is dam-controlled. Check the USGS Streamflow gauges for "North Fork Payette at Cascade" before heading out. High releases for downstream irrigation can make the river difficult to wade.
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salmonfly Pteronarcys californica | stonefly | May, June | All Day | #4-8 | Chubby Chernobyl (Orange) #6-10, Pats Rubber Legs #4-8, Sofa Pillow #6-8 |
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis | mayfly | April, May, September, October | Afternoon | #18-22 | Parachute Adams #18-22, RS2 #20-22, Pheasant Tail #18-20 |
| Golden Stonefly Hesperoperla pacifica | stonefly | June, July | Morning/Evening | #8-12 | Rogue Foam Stone #8-10, Golden Twenty Incher #8-12, Stimulator (Yellow) #10-12 |
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella | mayfly | June, July, August | Late Morning/Early Afternoon | #16-18 | PMD Sparkle Dun #16-18, Quigley Cripple #16, Frenchie #16-18 |
| Western Green Drake Drunella doddsii | mayfly | June, July | Afternoon | #10-12 | Green Drake Paradox #10-12, Hares Ear Nymph #10-12, Drake Cripple #12 |
| Spotted Sedge / Caddis Hydropsyche | caddis | June, July, August | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis (Tan) #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #14-18, Holy Grail #16 |
| Yellow Sally Isoperla | stonefly | June, July, August | Late Afternoon/Evening | #14-16 | Yellow Sally Dry #14-16, Flashback Yellow Sally #14-16, Little Yellow Sloan #16 |
| Midges Chironomidae | midge | February, March, April | Late Morning | #18-24 | Zebra Midge (Black/Silver) #18-22, Griffith's Gnat #20-22, Top Secret Midge #20-24 |
| Grasshoppers Caelifera | terrestrial | August, September | Afternoon | #8-12 | Hopper Juan #10-12, Morrish Hopper #8-12, Dave's Hopper #10 |