UPDATED: 7/6/25
The 4th of July Holiday has come and gone, and the Boise River is currently sitting steady at 985 cfs— an ideal level for rafting, tubing, and fishing!
However, a series of recent rescues and one death are reminding us all that the Boise River is a wild and often dangerous waterway that deserves the utmost respect.
Now, let's get to the State of the Stream. The Boise is crystal clear and flowing at an intermediate rate.
RELATED: Safety Checklist [FLOAT THE BOISE]
The water temperature is currently floating around 58.5°F.
The highs for the Treasure Valley have been hovering in the 80s but should increase throughout the week, topping out on Tuesday in the triple digits.
DISCLAIMER: The Boise River is a wild waterway and those recreating in the river do so at their own risk.
TUBING REPORT: OPEN
Tubing is OPEN on the Boise River. Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD), never tie inflatables together, and employ the buddy system to stay safe.
WHITEWATER REPORT: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Flows are reasonable and well-suited for intermediate and expert kayakers, rafters, and SUPers. As always, make sure to plan your trip thoroughly, wear a PFD, know your takeout, and exercise caution navigating diversion dams. Even the smallest mistake could result in fatal consequences.
SURFING REPORT: EXPERTS ONLY
Only expert surfers, kayakers, and bodyboarders should attempt riding the waves at the Boise Whitewater Park at this time.
Phase I and Phase II waves at the Whitewater Park should remain fairly consistent at these flows.
Phase I: Open
Phase II: Open
FISHING REPORT: ABOVE-AVERAGE
The fishing on the Boise River has been above average as of late.
Intermediate flows are opening up options for wade fishermen on the Boise River. However, anglers should still ensure they have sturdy footholds in the stream while remaining wary of any drop-offs.
We reccomend wearing a wading belt and/or a PFD when fishing in water above the knee.
Large eddies and big bends in the river will certainly hold fish, as will breaks in the current created by rocks or other structures.
Fly Fishing:
Fly fishermen will find nymphing the most productive throughout the day. There is a decent streamer bite in the early mornings and late evenings. Risers are few and far between, but like streamers, the bite is on in the mornings and evenings.
Lure Fishing:
Spin fishermen should use tackle that imitates small whitefish or trout. Whether that's a silver spoon or a more realistic-looking rainbow trout lure, anglers should look for deep runs and let their tackle sink before initiating a slow and steady retrieve to entice a bite.
FISHING REGULATIONS AND CATCH & RELEASE:
Per Idaho Fish & Game regulations, anglers on the Boise River through town are required to have a valid fishing license and can only use lures or flies with a single, barbless hook. Bait is NOT ALLOWED.
The bag limit for trout is 2 per day, none of which can be less than 14 inches in length.
We recommend fishermen utilize catch and release on all trout and native freshwater fish species including Rocky Mountain whitefish, northern pikeminnow, largescale sucker, and bridgelip sucker.
