Chesterfield Reservoir. At full pool, which it rarely accomplishes, Chesterfield Reservoir spreads its fertile waters across 1,600 acres in the foothills draining the upper Portneuf River and the Portneuf Range southeast from Pocatello. During years of good water supply Chesterfield grows some of eastern Idaho's largest rainbows. A 20-inch fish hardly raises eyebrows and the reservoir offers fair numbers of 24-inch trout that grow ridiculously fat on a diet heavy in scuds and every other still-water staple.

Chesterfield Reservoir, located in southeastern Idaho, is known for its trophy-class rainbows.

Not covered by any special regulations, Chesterfield's trout often end their days hanging from a stringer. Yet when chub populations are down and water levels up, fishing holds up throughout the season, which begins with ice-out in April. Late summer brings a lull in the action, but mid-September through October ushers in an unparalleled second season to Chesterfield. During the fall, the fish are fat, bright and ravenous. Generally Chesterfield fishes best during the morning hours.

The upper end of Chesterfield Reservoir lies within the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, so a tribal permit ($25/day $175/season) is required if you wish to explore by boat. Except to satisfy your curiosity, however,you needn't bother with the reservoir's upper reaches. Most anglers simply launch a tube or boat along the access road above the dam and find lots of room to spread out. Despite its size, Chesterfield is good float tube water. In fact, a float tube offers the distinct advantage of allowing anglers to troll at just the right speed to search for trout.

During the fall, Chesterfield Reservoir's rainbows are in great shape--fat and bright and eager to hit flies.

Dense Chironomid hatches occur during spring and to lesser extent during the fall. Callibaetis mayflies, damsels, water beetles and leeches abound. Scuds, meanwhile, probably rank as the top food source in Chesterfield and these abundant little crustaceans allow for the explosive growth of the reservoir's rainbows. In the absence of any obvious hatch or feeding pattern, try trolling or retrieving a black leech trailed by a scud pattern or Zugbug. Use a fast-sinking line. Often Chesterfield's trout spend an hour or two during the morning feeding in fairly shallow water close to shore. This is a great time to cast scud, beetle or damsel nymph patterns on an intermediate or slow-sinking line.

To find Chesterfield Reservoir, follow I-15 south out of Pocatello, 20 miles, exiting the freeway at the McCammom/Lava Hot Springs turn-off (Hwy. 30). Immediately east of Lava Hot Springs, turn north on Old Highway 30 and follow the highway about 10 miles to a left turn on Kelly-Toponce Road. Follow this road another 10 miles to a signed turn to Chesterfield Reservoir (Nipper Road).

Daniel's Reservoir. Daniel's Reservoir holds a long-standing reputation for providing some of southeastern Idaho's finest still-water fishing. I lived in Pocatello during the 1970's and Daniel's ranked as the favorite destination for what was then a new breed of anglers armed with float tubes and flippers. If anything, Daniel's fishes even better now, it's rainbows and cutthroat typically spanning 16 to 24 inches in length. They feed on a rich diet of scuds, Chironomids, damsels, snails, water beetles and leeches.

Daniel's Reservoir has long ranked as a favorite destination for float tubers from southeast Idaho.

Most float tubers head for the north end of the reservoir, where flooded trees divulge shallow water. Great damsel hatches occur here amidst extensive weed beds. The damsel hatch peaks during early July. Also, don't rule out the prospect of night fishing on Daniel's or any other Idaho reservoirs. Some of the most ferocious strikes and largest trout reward those who stay out after dark, trolling or stripping a big black leech pattern.

At 475 acres, Daniel's Reservoir is perfectly suited to float tubes, pontoons and small boats. The reservoir offers a good boat ramp and a small, unassuming primitive campground. Motel space is available 15 miles south at Malad City. Expect the usual afternoon wind at any time of year. Daniel's fishes best from May through mid-July and from mid-September until ice-up. To find Daniel's Reservoir, follow I-15 south from Pocatello (or north 30 miles from Tremonton, Utah) to Malad City and then turn northwest on West Daniel's Road, which leads directly to the reservoir--15 miles.

Flyshops and Info   All Season Angler   509 E. Oak Street   Pocatello, Idaho   (208)232-3042   Idaho Angler   1682 s. Vista   Boise Idaho   (208)389-9957   Idaho Department of    Fish and Game   Pocatello office   (208)232-4703 Previous Next On-Line Catalogs A.A. Outfitters Full service, fully stocked flyshop located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Allen Brothers Quality Fishing Flies Quality is more than just a word. We use Daichii hooks and all our beadheads are tied with tungsten. Check out unique variations on a lot of the classics, plus our original patterns! Angler's Pro Shop The finest products the fly fishing industry has to offer. Bighorn Fly and Tackle Shop Montana's premium fly shops, lodging and guide service. We're dedicated to helping you experience the best Montana has to offer. Bob Henley's TIE-A-FLY 19 traditional patterns. TIE-A-FLY kits have all materials needed to tie them, instructions/illustrations, a pre-tied fly to use as a model. Gary LaFontaine's "The Book Mailer" Every angling book & media in print—10% off 3 or more. LaFontaine fly patterns & materials. FREE anti-catalog. Crystal Fly Shop Online Store Quality products at reasonable prices from Winston, Elkhorn, St. Croix, Galvan, Solitude, Idylwilde, Chota, etc. Many items 15-35% off. Custom Fly Rod Crafters Fly rod building components, tools & supplies. Dan Bailey's Online Fly Shop Outfitting fly fishermen since 1938. Equipment & information to make your next fly fishing trip be a memorable one. Fly Fishing Flies & Gear Shop RiverBum.com for premium FLIES and GEAR from Simms, Sage, Fishpond & more ... Free Shipping on orders over $25! FlyShack.com High quality, hand-tied flies. Assortments from $.60/fly. Great selection and excellent service. Free Shipping. FlyShopCloseouts.com Now—new and expanded—with much more brand name fly fishing tackle and gear at huge savings. Save 30-50% on quality brands you will recognize in an instant. Galloup's Slide Inn Online Fly Shop Full online store offering cutting-edge flies, equipment, and the best streamer selection found anywhere in the U.S. Hills Discount Flies Fly shop quality flies at wholesale prices. Over 1,000 patterns. Check out bargains in "Hot Deals" section. Hooked On Flies 65¢-69¢ a fly. That's 3 flies for less than the retail price of one fly. 450+ Trout Fly Patterns! Madison River Fishing Co. Spring is coming! We have TONS of new gear this year. Cloudveil, Simms, Sage, Under Armour, Vosseler Reels and lots more. Click or call 800-227-7127 for catalog. **Reelflies** - Fly Fishing Flies Offering incredible prices on top-quality Trout Flies: $0.49 - $0.79. Our flies have great fly illustrations . . . what you see is what you get! www.ShopUltimateAngler.com Your steelhead and smallmouth specialists featuring Simms, Sage, Patagonia, Orvis, guide services, local fishing reports and more!