Buffalo River, ID

The Buffalo River is a small spring creek that is entirely contained within the Island Park Caldera. Its headwaters begin toward the east rim of the Caldera and it rapidly increases in size as it gathers water from many springs & small creek tributaries. It flows generally westward until its confluence with the Henry's Fork just downstream from Island Park Dam. The Buffalo River and its tributaries contain mainly small Brook Trout with a few Rainbows mixed in. Access to the Buffalo can be had at the Highway 20 crossing and also from within the Buffalo River Campground. At the campground, there are two free parking areas where fishermen can access the river. We recommend fishing upstream from the upper access or downstream from the lower access (to avoid the inner tubes). Elk Creek joins the Buffalo River at the upper campground access. Elk Creek itself also provides some productive dry fly fishing. Access is also possible from a couple different forest roads that approach the upper Buffalo River. Recommended flies are #14-16 Adams, Royal Wulff, Elk Hair Caddis, beadhead Prince Nymph, and beadhead Hare's Ear.