Current Flows of the Boise River
View current flows of the Boise River here. Staying informed about the river's water conditions is crucial for planning your activities. Here, you'll find real-time data on stream flows, updated directly from the US Geological Survey (USGS) monitoring stations. The interactive graphs and detailed information below ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date insights into the behavior of the Boise River.
Current flows of the Boise River near Featherville:
Current flows of the Boise River near Anderson Ranch Dam:
Current flows of the Boise River near Boise (Glenwood Bridge):
Current flows of the Boise River South Channel near Eagle:
What is the Boise River?
The Boise River originates from three forks in the Sawtooth Mountain Range: the North Fork (~50 miles), the Middle Fork (~52 miles), and the South Fork (~101 miles). The North and Middle Forks join near Idaho City and flow together to Arrowrock Reservoir. The South Fork, rising from the Soldier and Smoky Mountains near Fairfield, also flows into Arrowrock Reservoir and joins the other forks at Arrowrock Dam.
Below Arrowrock Dam, the river flows west, collecting the Mores Creek tributary as it passes through Lucky Peak Dam and enters the Boise area. Through Boise, the river is bordered by the 35-mile Boise Greenbelt—a recreational and alternative transportation corridor offering walking, running, cycling, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The river then continues west into northern Canyon County, where it meets the Snake River at the Idaho-Oregon border.
Watershed and Habitat
The Boise River watershed covers 4,100 square miles, encompassing diverse habitats including mountain canyons, forests, farmland, and urban areas. The three forks rise above 10,000 feet elevation in the Sawtooth Mountains.
Lower Boise River and Fisheries
Below Lucky Peak Reservoir, the lower Boise River runs about 65 miles to the Snake River confluence. This section supports a diverse, multi-use urban fishery. From Lucky Peak to around Middleton, coldwater species like Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Mountain Whitefish dominate. From Middleton to the Snake River, warmwater species such as Smallmouth Bass and Channel Catfish become more common.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) regularly monitors trout populations in the lower Boise River. Surveys show healthy wild trout populations with fish often exceeding 18 inches. Annual juvenile trout surveys indicate ongoing recruitment, supplemented by hatchery programs that introduce approximately 10,000 trout eggs and stock about 50,000 sterile catchable trout annually to boost angling opportunities without risking crossbreeding with wild strains.
Urban Fishery and Recreation
The Boise River is a treasured urban fishery, located less than three miles from the airport and running through the city center. Though not a Blue Ribbon trout stream, it offers excellent fishing opportunities for wild Rainbow and Brown Trout, as well as native Whitefish. Stocked catchable trout provide positive experiences for beginner and intermediate anglers.
The river supports a variety of aquatic insects—including Caddis, Midges, and Mayflies (PMDs, BWOs, and Tricos)—which contribute to the healthy trout populations. Large trout thrive on abundant food sources such as Sculpin and Crayfish.
In certain years, when returns are strong, Steelhead and large Chinook Salmon from Hells Canyon are stocked, adding excitement to the fishing experience.
Additional Recreation and Wildlife
Beyond fishing, the Boise River corridor offers floating, swimming, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including deer, mink, beavers, foxes, great blue herons, bald eagles, and other birds of prey.