The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (steep ledge) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Palisades Reservoir
Bonneville County, Idaho · about 14,700 acres (23 sq mi)
44°F water, calm this morning.
About Palisades Reservoir
In Bonneville County, Idaho, Palisades Reservoir covers about 14,700 acres; it is a reservoir. Palisades Dam holds it back on the Snake River. Palisades Reservoir, on the upper Snake River near the Wyoming border, is impounded by 270-foot Palisades Dam.
From end to end it runs about 13.6 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 51 miles. At about 5,580 ft above sea level, it is a high-country lake, cold for much of the year. Star Valley Ranch is about 12 miles southeast. The closest city is Idaho Falls, about 43 miles away.
- Size
- About 14,700 acres (23 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 51 miles
- End to end
- About 13.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 5,580 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Palisades Dam, Snake River
- County
- Bonneville County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 3 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:45 am – 9:00 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 2 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Idaho mix for a lake this size: trout, lake trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 44°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodLake trout
Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Steep ledge
A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:15 am · sunset 5:01 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Palisades Reservoir
- Star Valley Ranchabout 12 mi southeast
- Hobackabout 14 mi east
- Wilsonabout 17 mi northeast
- South Parkabout 18 mi northeast
- Idaho Fallsnearest city, about 43 mi west
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Questions about Palisades Reservoir
What fish are in Palisades Reservoir?
Lakes like Palisades Reservoir usually hold trout, lake trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Palisades Reservoir?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Palisades Reservoir?
About 14,700 acres, with about 51 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Palisades Reservoir?
Star Valley Ranch is about 12 miles southeast; Hoback is about 14 miles east.
What is the water temperature at Palisades Reservoir today?
The surface was about 44°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Palisades Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
