Living in Eastern Idaho has some perks, primarily the access to nearby national parks and the beautiful aspects of nature. It’s fairly easy to hop in the car and drive to a quiet forest spot for some huckleberry picking, or to do a day trip to the mountains for some hiking or floating. Some folks are fortunate to be able to do those kinds of activities daily — and get paid for it.
One such person is Scott Reimer, the head guide at The Lodge at Palisades Creek.
Scott was born in Billings, Montana, and moved to Idaho when he was 12. Since then, he’s spent 26 years calling Idaho Falls home.
The main reason he’s remained in the area is family, as both he and his wife’s family are nearby.
In addition to having roots here, Scott says there’s another reason to stay: this part of Idaho is the mecca for fly fishing.
“It’s a good hub with fishing all around,” he said. “It’s great.”
Scott has been into fly fishing ever since he was 4 years old, and he’s been able to turn that lifelong hobby into his career.
His schedule is a bit unique since fishing depends on the weather, so usually Scott works every day for 6 months, then has 6 months off in the cold season. Even in the winter, Scott says he still tries to fish when it’s possible.
In the summer though, Scott is just happy as can be to be fishing on the South Fork of the Snake River. He does about 150 guided trips during those busy months.
“It’s awesome because I get to be outside every day,” he said. “Every day is a workout, rowing the boat.”
As a fishing guide, Scott shows guests the beautiful scenery Idaho has to offer. The lodge is in Irwin, and the fishing tours go between Swan Valley to the Ririe area.
The lodge hosts guests from all around the world, anyone who wants to come to the peaceful valley and fish for trout.
Mostly, the guests that Scott guides are people he’s gotten to know, since they have been coming back for years and years.
Usually, Scott will chat with the guests about Yellowstone or Grand Teton, or restaurants in the area that he recommends.
The restaurant he recommends the most is the one at the lodge itself.
The 22-acre property has three different dinner options every night, with the menu always changing to feature dishes with fresh chicken, steak, and fish.
“It’s a fantastic restaurant,” Scott said. “These guys have been chefs for a long time, so it’s pretty fancy food.”
To book a trip and experience the great fishing and lodging for yourself, visit tlapc.com.