Idaho

South Fork Lodge

Swan Valley

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Accommodations

Lodge Rooms

Season

May-October

Species

Rainbow, Brown & Cutthroat Trout

Ideal For

All Anglers

High-End Accommodations in the Beautiful Swan Valley, Idaho

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The South Fork Lodge is a beautiful, high-end western lodge built directly on a dramatic bend of the world-famous South Fork of the Snake River in scenic Swan Valley, Idaho. This stunning wilderness location offers a perfect blend of rustic elegance, outstanding activities, and exceptional hospitality. The unique setting and luxurious amenities provide a truly memorable experience for anglers. The South Fork of the Snake stretches for approximately 65 miles and is regarded as one of the best tailwater, dry-fly fisheries in the United States.

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Lodging Details
South Fork Lodge offers what we feel are among the nicest amenities and accommodations that you will experience anywhere in the world of fly fishing. They call it “rustic elegance,” but we can promise you that the Lodge is much nicer than just about any fishing operation we’ve ever seen. The Lodge suites and deluxe suites are spacious, beautiful, and provide you a quiet, comfortable, and relaxing environment. All of the individual rooms are located just a short walk from the Riverside Bar and Grill and its outdoor patio. The deluxe suites have housed two separate two-story log cabins overlooking the property’s casting pond. These ten private cabin suites collectively represent the lodge’s finest accommodations. Some of these rooms feature connecting doors that create a room situation perfect for larger groups or families who wish to be together during their stay. Deluxe suite amenities include either two queen beds or one king bed with luxury bedding, an in-room fireplace, a large bathroom with a whirlpool tub and a heated floor, a private patio or balcony, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and wireless internet access. Guests interested in more privacy may be interested in the River House. Situated on the river, the River House connects you with the surrounding wilderness and provides an intimately comfortable, private retreat for up to 6 people. With 4 bedrooms, a large living room, kitchen area, game room, and deck, this is the ideal option for families, couples, or groups of friends.

The South Fork overnight camp is the ideal option for those looking to mix it up a little. The camp is located along a remote section of the South Fork that is inaccessible to motorized traffic and offers anglers a chance to spend the night relaxing in a true wilderness setting. Guests will be treated to freshly prepared meals and sleep on comfortable cots in spacious wall tents set up by their professional staff. This is a great add-on to a trip, and the setting and location of the camp are amazing.

Food and Beverages
The food and the menu at the South Fork Lodge may be the best in the entire state of Idaho. The lodge’s main dining room menu features local ingredients and the regional seasonal fare including grilled Rocky Mountain bison ribeye, prime center-cut filet mignon, slow-roasted pork prime rib with crimini mushrooms, lighter pastas, signature soups including smoked trout chowder, refreshing salads with lobster, brie quesadillas, and their world-famous macaroni and cheese. The Lodge’s Riverside Bar & Grill also provides guests with one of the region’s finest wine lists, and the wait staff’s exceptional service rounds out an evening to remember. The dining room itself is amazing, with soaring, floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views of the South Fork, magnificent cottonwoods, drift boats with fishermen, and passing wildlife. Guests will enjoy an intimate lodge atmosphere that includes a full-service bar, all to be enjoyed with fellow anglers, guides, and outside guests.

Non-Angling Activities and Options
There are many options for the non-angling guest (or the angler looking to take a day off from fishing) to enjoy in the surrounding Targhee National Forest and the Greater Yellowstone region. The Lodge can easily set you up with a day of golfing, biking, hiking excursions, whitewater rafting trips, horseback riding, and many other recreational activities.

Internet / Communications
Internet access is available at the lodge. Most cell phones work in Swan Valley.

General Information
The South Fork of the Snake River offers some of the best dry fly fishing in the country. The lodge sits on the banks of this river, widely recognized as one of America’s greatest tailwater fisheries. One of the advantages you enjoy while staying at the lodge is the head start you have over other anglers in starting your day of fishing on the river. In fact, one of the river’s most important access points is a mere two hundred yards from where you meet your guide in the morning. Other anglers may need to drive for an hour or more to get to the same stretch of water. This advantage not only gives you an edge but also provides for a more relaxed start to your day. 

All guides at the South Fork Lodge are accomplished fly fishermen, excellent instructors, and experienced boatmen, and all will work hard to provide you with a quality experience tailored to your specific requests.

The South Fork of the Snake is the lodge’s home river, and there are approximately 65 miles of river from Palisades Reservoir to the confluence with the Henry’s Fork. Every mile offers excellent trout fishing. The “Upper” South Fork starts at Palisades Dam and ends at the Conant Valley boat access. This section encompasses approximately 15 river miles and is the most accessible. From the Irwin access, the river opens up as it meanders through Swan Valley. The side channels and the shallow riffles offer excellent wading opportunities and some of the best dry fly fishing on the river. Lower down, the “Canyon” is the section of the South Fork beginning at the Conant Valley boat access down to the Byington boat access. The float from Conant to Cottonwood is about 15 miles, so once you’re in the canyon, you’re in for the day. South Fork Outfitters is also able to offer guests the use of their private access about 12 miles down from the Conant boat ramp. This ramp assures that your day in the canyon is not rushed, and you can experience some of the most beautiful country East Idaho has to offer. Below Byington, the nature of the river once again changes and flows through a cottonwood forest. This stretch of the river covers approximately 25 miles.

Boats and Equipment
Guides utilize McKenzie-style drift boats. With regards to gear and equipment, South Fork Lodge has a full-service, specialty fly shop that is equipped to handle all your fly fishing needs. The shop features flies, waders, rods, reels, tackle, and accessories from the best manufacturers in the industry. Rest assured that when you arrive for your fishing trip the lodge will have everything you’ll need. If you would rather rent gear before buying, they have an excellent selection of rental rods, waders, and boots.

Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge.

2025 Pricing (based on double occupancy)
3 nights / 2 days = $4,195.00 per person
4 nights / 3 days = $5,495.00 per person
5 nights / 4 days = $6,795.00 per person
6 nights / 5 days = $7,795.00 per person
7 nights / 6 days = $8,895.00 per person

Included

Lodging
Guided fishing
All meals (cooler lunch while fishing)
Open bar at the lodge (house alcohol)
Rods/reels, flies, and tackle provided by the guide
Waders and wading boots (if needed or desired)
Guide pick up & drop off on each day of fishing
River shuttle fees for guide’s vehicle

Excluded

Airfare
Transportation to and from the lodge (can be arranged at an additional cost)
Fishing licenses
Gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Premium (top-shelf) alcoholic beverages at the lodge
Alcohol while fishing (BYO or purchase at the fly shop)
Overnight camp surcharge (needs to be booked in advance)
Taxes (will be added to invoice upon booking)

South Fork Lodge (Swan Valley, Idaho)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these packages. A non-refundable deposit of 50% per person is due at the time of booking for all trip packages and reservations, and final payment if due 90 days prior to arrival. All trip cancellations must be received in writing, and sent to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, LLC. No refunds will be given unless a replacement is found. If a cancelled package is resold by either the lodge or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be sent minus a $100.00 per person Yellow Dog cancellation fee. In the case of cancellation by the client, both deposit and final payment may be transferred to another guest or angler for those same (original) dates if facilitated and arranged by the client. Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures strongly recommends that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for this trip.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access.

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment

Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3
Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees)
Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT.