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October 2011

Fly Fish Food Jimmy's / 2011 / October (Page 3)

Henry’s Lake 10-11-2011

Fish are hitting just about everywhere in shallow waters around  lake.  The days of speckled dun hatches are over, but a few caddis remain making peeking caddis patterns, about size 14, fished in shallow waters effective. But the best way to encounter fish is with the variety of effective woolly bugger, woolly worm types, soft hackled streamers, and fly rod jigs .  Choose your colors here just as you choose locations. Right now the north side of the lake has clearer waters than the south side,  thanks to recent storms. Water temps are still in the low 50s in degrees F.   That means extensive weeds remain.  As waters drop in temperature these will break up further making for better retrieves.  As good as the lake is now, look for better fishing as we cool off further.

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Small Streams 10-11-2011

Some of these  remain good fishing through the fall season. Typically these are larger waters such as the Teton River, Warm River,  Blackfoot River, and the Portneuf River. A few of the smallest waters will remain good fishing.  Birch, Tincup, Robinson, Bitch creeks, and the Little Lost River are among these.  Because waters on these are at base level (meaning low), flies should be smaller and have less “flash” which could startle fish rather than attract them as they would during higher water. If you prefer to fish dry on any of these, concentrate on using BWO and midge life cycle patterns. On nicer days traditional dry attractor patterns in smaller sizes will bring responses.  But without a doubt the most effective fishing will be either nymphing or presenting streamers on all of these.

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South Fork 10/11

Fall fishing is finally here! The river is fishing really well. Good emergence of Blue Wing Olives and a few eating the Chernobyl ant as well. The nymphing has been stellar as well. Rubberlegs with zebra midges, also try dropping a BWO nymph. We have lots of these bead head flies here at the shop and we are more than willing to point you in the right direction. Fish a large Parachute Adams against the bank with a small sized 18 BWO behind it. Look for the fish to be rising in the foam lines and off of the riffles.

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Small Streams 10-07-2011

Many of these go into a funk this time of year.     Flows are down to base level, and insect activity is reduced to a fraction of  warmer weather levels.  Look for fish to concentrate in deeper water where there is more overhead cover.  Fish the top end of the deeper water first as fish will concentrate there waiting for food items coming in.  It’s a great time to practice  nymphing techniques for small waters.

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Still Waters 10-07-2011

This cool weather may mean the end of top water fishing as damselflies and speckled duns are victims of temperature.  Exception  is midge emergers.  Break out the leech and damselfly nymph patterns just about everywhere for best results.   Top end of Daniels Reservoir and Sand Creek ponds have been fishing quite well, and we are getting more reports of success on Chesterfield Reservoir.   Concentrate on shallower water here and everywhere else.

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Yellowstone Park 10-04-2011

It  is now streamer fly season on most Park rivers and on Shoshone and Lewis lakes.  Big browns are migrating on these, and in the case of the Madison River drainage they are accompanied by a fall rainbow run.  So break out those six and seven weight rods and sink tip lines for rivers, or intermediate lines for the lakes.  Have somber and bright patterns in the fly box, and a good camera to record the beautiful colors these fish put on to announce their migration.  Also be prepared for  stormy weather.

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Henry’s Lake 10-04-2011

Fishing remains great and this colder weather will only improve it.  Look for more fish moving into shallow water such as around the north shore and the southwest corner.   Also with more hunting opportunities and the oncoming steelhead season crowds will diminish.

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Today at Jimmy’s 10/3

Well I am back in the shop after and exhausting summer of guiding on the South Fork. Its always good to be back in the shop and see all of you after a few months of rowing and dodging hooks. I wanted to inform you all about some new products we have for the Fall.

Simms some awesome gear out right now for layering on those cold Fall and Winter days. We have some Merino Wool long underwear and a new wool sweater. Lets not forget the insulated fishing pants from Simms, great for wearing to and from the river and can be used like fleece pants under your waders.

Patagonia has some new gear in as well. We have brought in their famous Down Sweater and the Nano Puff Jacket. These are great jackets for insulation under a wading jacket or just fishing on a cold morning.

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South Fork 10/3

Flows on the South Fork have remained steady at 7,000 cfs. Bug activity is very sparse on the sunny days. If you get an overcast day or rain look for Blue Wing Olives and Mahogany Duns hatching in good numbers. There is still  mutant stones around and fish are still eating them when presented against the bank. I have been fishing droppers from my dry fly 2-3 feet. That has been an effective depth for the bead head nymph. Red and Black Zebra Midges have been the most effective patterns as well as an assortment of Mayfly nymph patterns.

The fall colors are gorgeous right now take the time to go fish the South Fork just for the scenery.

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