Lake Walcott Access

[patatrcc]

I'm new to the group and was wondering if there are any sportsmans access areas on the south side of L. Walcott that you can get to from the Interstate. I'm in Pocatello and was hoping if I dropped a boat in the river/reservoir there might be a dock or access area on the south side or up river somewhere from the dam that would save us a lot of driving by not having to go to Rupert and around the dam to the main boat ramp.
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[drowning_flys]

There isn't any access to the dam from the freeway side but there is a dock at smith springs at raft river. its a small area and the water downstream is closed to boating. Welcome aboard

http://www.fws.gov/minidoka/pdf/Minidoka%20Map.pdf
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[patatrcc]

Thanks for the info and the great color map! Why is the majority of the upper reservoir and river "closed to boats" ? I see the small fishing lane at Smith Springs is available, and the section east of Raft River is open, but the rest of the river is off limits. ??
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[drowning_flys]

Its a wildlife refuge that caters mainly to birds, from bird island up there are lots of waterfowl and eagles nesting so they give them the space. They open up some other areas in the fall for hunting but if i remember right no motors are allowed. the fastest way for you to get there would be get off at exit 216 and instead of going in to rupert turn right at base line then turn left on the 400 east road just before the river. go two miles turn right on the 300 north lane road and follow it to the dam . Thats the road that follows the river right below the dam. Look it up on google maps little shorter and more scenic your very welcome and have a great time fishing is starting to pick up out there.
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[patatrcc]

Wow. That looked like prime fishing waters from Google Maps, but I guess it's off limits due to the refuge. I assume you could still bank fish it? The map just has it "closed to boats".

Thanks for all the help. Hope to get over there sometime soon. I'm glad I joined this forum already!

Pat
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[drowning_flys]

yes indeed there is some great fishing from the bank. several good spots on the north side bank in my opinion Gifford springs is the best
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[patatrcc]

Thanks for the input. Do you know how far it is "no boats" from Raft River up to below the American Falls Dam? I see on that map you sent has light blue "no boating" as far as the map shows going upstream. Do the fishing regs for Magic Valley show part of Lake Walcott is off limit to boats? I skimmed through them last night, but didn't see all of those restrictions on the Snake. Thanks..
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[drowning_flys]

Unless they have changed it you can go just down stream from tule island (the edge of the hunting area) all the way to American falls dam. I haven't looked in that section of the regs this year yet but i remember times of past there was a special restriction note. everything up there is pretty clearly marked with buoy lines. its also pretty heavenly patrolled by sheriffs office so you want to be careful
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