A strategy point for most small waters is that best fishing happens after mid morning. At our high elevation heat radiates off very quickly, and time is required in the AM to warm waters and countryside up to levels where insects become active. Trico spinner falls are an exceptions to promoting early AM action, but not all small waters host tricos.
River is running considerably higher than normal below Henry’s Fork confluence. This makes for a bit of a slowdown in fishing. Nevertheless we have had some reports of good fishing (hoppers & streamers close to the banks) the river just above American Falls Reservoir.
Hebgen Lake still offers good gulper fishing, and the Madison River below Slide Inn has also been good fishing with terrestrials, evening caddis and a few mayflies making for action.
Flows are still about 12900 cfs out of Palisades Dam. BUT: tonight they will drop 500 cfs, and tomorrow night (8/20) another 500 cfs. Look for flows out of Palisades to drop under 10,000 cfs soon after Labor Day. Get in touch with us if you have questions on this news. Hoppers and other terrestrial insects are the way to go. Don’t overlook the idea of a trailing pattern, too. For those considering a trip on the river below Lorenzo, the river is cutting a new channel on the lower end. This is making for discolored water down to Menan, so streamers and nymphs may be the best way to go on the lower end of your trip.
Hoppers and other terrestrial patterns tight against banks or evening rises to caddis swarms are the best way to find action up and down the river these days. We have some reports of good evening streamer fishing on the Warm River to Ashton section.
It’s a great time to float the river above American Falls Reservoir. The trip from Tilden Bridge to the McTucker access can be very good. Besides streamer patterns, bring hoppers and present them tight to grassy banks near good covering water.
Hebgen Lake gulpers now have tricos added to their diet. Start a bit earlier in the AM and stay out on the lake until action begins to fade right after mid day. On almost all streams large or small, fish are eagerly seeking terrestrial patterns. Don’t overlook this great way to find action!
Hopper patterns are really attracting fish throughout the river, and look for this to continue for a while. But do not overlook attaching an ant or beetle pattern as a “trailer”. Present this rig as tight to grassy banks as you can get. Presentation is much more important than choice of pattern, but get in touch with us if you need recommendations. Fishing the riffles is tougher now that the PMD emergence peak has passed, but you can still find some action by closely watching riffles. Where you see fish working, stop & give it a try. Also caddis swarms are making for good evening action along the river.
Terrestrial patterns are the way to go anywhere on the river. Even the Last Chance-Harriman reach is not crowded, but if you want to get away from crowds try Bear Gulch or Hatchery Ford. You will also find evening caddis swarms on all these locations. Don’t overlook pitching streamer into deeper water as the sun sets
No change here: fish creek mouths (intermediate lines) and spring holes (full sink lines). Expect some crowding if one of these places is particularly good fishing.