Tips for Fishing Palisades Reservoir: Gear, Spots & Scenic Camps

After a long day of working in the OR, most people dream of a couch and some quiet. Me? I pointed Dustcatcher west and chased Vance to the shores of Palisades Reservoir for an evening of shoreline fishing, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Palisades Reservoir straddles the Idaho-Wyoming border and is one of those places that feels like it belongs in an adventure novel. Towering snow-capped peaks, sparkling water, and over 70 miles of shoreline make it a worthy destination for anglers and outdoor lovers alike. If you’re looking to cast a line here, we have some tips below!

🎣 Fishing Palisades Reservoir: What Works Best

  • Species to Target:
    • Cutthroat trout
    • Brown trout
    • Kokanee salmon
    • Mackinaw
    • Rainbow trout (Vance caught a few this trip!)
  • When to Go:
    • Spring and fall are top picks for open water fishing.
    • Winter brings excellent ice fishing.
    • Evenings offer golden light, fewer crowds, and often biting fish.
  • Gear We Used:
    • Rod: 7 ft medium action rod
    • Reel: Abu Garcia 4000 series
    • Lure: Rapala trout lure
    • Location: GPS coordinates [43.319882, -111.159623]

🛻 Getting There and Setting Up Camp

  • Driving In:
    I came from Afton, WY after my shift and was treated to one of the most scenic drives out there. Star Valley doesn’t disappoint. Wide open skies, dramatic mountain backdrops, and a calm that settles into your bones.
  • Where We Camped:
    Vance scouted out the spot and sent me a pin. I rolled up to find Opt Out already tucked in, and I parked Dustcatcher right behind. Primitive shoreline camping is allowed in many spots around the reservoir – our favorite! But if you prefer a few more amenities, there are also designated US Forest Service and private campgrounds scattered along Palisades.

📸 What Else to Do While You’re There

  • Hike the Shoreline – The trail along the water is perfect for light hiking, especially during golden hour.
  • Photography – Don’t make my mistake: bring your SLR camera. The light, landscape, and reflections on the water are too good to miss. I plan to return soon with my real gear!
  • Disconnect – There’s limited service in many areas, which makes it an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

🦌 A Few Final Tips

  • Wildlife Warning: Plan your drive home before dusk if you’re not staying the night. Elk and deer are active and unpredictable on these mountain roads.
  • Pack Layers: the evening temps drop fast in the mountains.
  • Fuel Up: Services are limited nearby, come prepared with gas, snacks, and anything else you might need.
  • Give Yourself Time: Whether you’re fishing, camping, or just exploring, you’ll want more time than you think.

I couldn’t stay long this time. I had a 6:30 AM shift the next morning, but those couple of hours fishing, hiking, and soaking in the beauty of Palisades were the perfect reset. Vance stayed behind to keep casting and camped by the water, chasing trout and dreams under the stars.

Watching him do what he loves most fills my heart. And this summer? He’s doing a lot of it ❤️

Want to try it for yourself?
Drop a pin at [43.319882, -111.159623] and go chase those trout!