Ashton Reservoir spans 400 acres along Henry's Fork of the Snake River in eastern Idaho, offering diverse paddling opportunities. The main access point is located just north of Ashton - after crossing the Henrys Fork on US Highway 20, turn left and travel approximately 0.4 miles to reach the Sportsman's Access site. This 50-acre access area features a boat ramp, dock, parking, restrooms, and picnic facilities.

The reservoir serves as a popular take-out point for paddlers running float trips from Warm River upstream. Both motorized and non-motorized craft share these waters, with paddlers needing to remain alert to other boat traffic. Activities include canoeing, fishing, and water skiing.

Notable features include a power plant at the dam on the western end and a scenic ribbon waterfall nearby. The reservoir is actively managed for recreation, with annual fish stocking maintaining healthy populations of rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee, and whitefish.

Primary facilities are maintained by PacifiCorp Energy. The dam itself is a rock and earth-filled structure rising 60 feet high and stretching 226 feet across, with a 70-foot wide concrete intake and 82-foot spillway. Most of the shoreline is privately owned, limiting landing options.

Spring and fall typically offer the best paddling conditions when water temperatures are cooler. The reservoir provides good wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for waterfowl like grebes. Some parking areas require a Forest Service day-use fee.

For paddlers' reference, the reservoir sits at 5,157 feet elevation. Specific seasonal restrictions may apply, and users should check current conditions and regulations before launching, particularly regarding motorized traffic patterns and fishing zones.