Twin Falls, Idaho

Twin Falls, Idaho, is a desert oasis built atop the dramatic Snake River Canyon, where rugged basalt cliffs meet emerald waters and the roar of Shoshone Falls echoes through the air. This high-desert gem offers anglers everything from world-class trout and steelhead runs in the tailwaters to warmwater bass and panfish adventures in quiet city lakes. With the iconic Perrine Bridge overhead and miles of public riverbank access, Twin Falls blends urban convenience and outdoor excitement like few places in the West. Anglers can chase rainbow trout in swift currents one moment and cast for largemouth bass beneath cottonwoods the next—all under big Idaho skies. Whether you’re wading a canyon river or trolling a backcountry reservoir, Twin Falls delivers scenery and serious fishing in equal measure.

Snake River (Perrine Bridge Area)

Flowing through downtown Twin Falls, this tailwater below Milner Dam is renowned for trophy-sized trout and steelhead, along with seasonal smallmouth bass. Wade anglers find deep runs and undercut banks perfect for nymph rigs and streamers, while boat anglers drift spoons and plugs in eddies. The basalt canyon walls funnel water flows, concentrating fish and creating epic dry-fly hatches in summer evenings. With public access trails and the Perrine Bridge as a backdrop, it’s an iconic Idaho river fishery.

Dierkes Lake

This scenic city lake, nestled in a canyon alcove, is a warmwater haven for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Anglers fish from shore, docks, or small boats among rock outcroppings and submerged timber with plastic worms and live bait. Early morning topwater action for bass is a local favorite, while bluegill pack the shallow flats on sunny afternoons. The canyon setting and nearby hiking trails add a touch of adventure to every cast.

Centennial Waterfront Park Pond

A stocked urban pond adjacent to the city’s Greenbelt, this peaceful water body supports rainbow trout, sunfish, and the occasional bass. Easy shoreline access and paved paths make it ideal for families and beginners casting PowerBait or small spinners. Spring and fall trout stockings draw steady bites, while summer evenings see sunfish schooling near docks. It’s the perfect quick-stop spot for an hour’s fishing escape without leaving town.

Lake Walcott (Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge)

About 25 miles northwest, this large reservoir on the Snake River is a warmwater fishery known for crappie, smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Boat anglers troll deep coves and submerged bars for walleye, while bass anglers target rocky points with jigs and spinnerbaits. The refuge’s protected shoreline and clear water create excellent spotting opportunities for float-tube and kayak fishing. It’s a short drive from Twin Falls to a vastly different, wide-open lake experience.