Word is out that the lake currently offers the best fishing in the region. So folks will be flocking there and looking for the best spots to fish. Standard patterns for the lake are working. The strategy for a best time is to find a location where there are more fish than people. Creek mouths are almost certain to be crowded, especially those with easy access. The same goes for shorelines. Consider contacting us to learn of some locations that might be less crowded.
The flows were reduced to 4,200 cfs yesterday. I assume that we will see a more aggressive approach to lowering the water to our winter flows within the next 2 weeks. The lake is low and irrigation demand is low as well, so there is no need for water to be in the system. We have not been informed of how low the river will go for the majority of the winter, but my guess is between 800 and 1,200 cfs.
Fishing is still moderate. Lots of moss still in the river and cleaning your flies is a must if you want to catch any fish. I suggest fishing bead head nymphs below a Hopper or a Chernobyl Ant. Zebra Midges in Red and Black size #16 & #18. Pheasant Tails, and BWO nymphs like the Bubble back Emerger BWO have proven effective as well. You will still get a few eats on the big dry so try not to be so suprised when it happens. I prefer the nymphs below the dry because you don’t seem to catch as much moss on your flies, versus fishing deep with an indicator. Streamer fishing has really picked up and I suggest fishing a sinking tip line or a sinking leader.
The flow dropped again this afternoon to 4,200 cfs from 5,087. Generally it takes a day for the fish to adjust so we usually wait a day to go fishing. Then there was a day a couple of years ago in October when we were on the the river when it dropped and we still did well so you never know.
A little overcast and rain would be nice to help the hatches out but that is not in the immediate forecast. In the meantime still fish mahogany duns and small parachutes in the riffles even if you don’t see any hatches or fish rising. I like to keep fishing chernobyls until the fall weather cools and the fish quite taking them. Streamers have been the best early in the morning and again when the shadows fall in the late afternoon till dark.
Just want to give you all a heads up the flows dropped last night to 5,100 cfs. Check yesterdays report for fishing conditions. If we actually get the cold weather that has been forcasted this week we should see changes in the river conditions in terms of moss leaving the bottom of the river and clearing up.
With Steelhead season just around the corner we have been getting a few new items in the shop for tying Intruders. We now have Senyo’s Intruder wire, this wire is used to attach your hook to intruders and other articulated fly patterns. This wire comes in a variety of colors and we have all of them in stock. We are also stocking the new Diiachi Intruder Hook. This is a less expensive alternative to the Gamakatsu Hooks we have been using up to this point. We carry these hooks in sizes #1-#6.
We have also got a lot of new Simms and Patagonia gear in for the fall and cold weather fishing. We also have some killer deals on items that are being discontinued. Patagonia Waders, Sage Fly rods, Simms shoes and waders. This is a great time to get a great deal on some new gear for the fall.
Fishing has been good on the Henry’s Fork. Nymphing and Streamer fishing have been the main tactics for hooking fish. BWO hatches have been few and far between but look for those flies to pop during overcast and rainy days. The fishing below the Ashton Dam have been really good as well as Warm River to Ashton. Stonefly Nymphs and a variety or bead head nymphs. I personally like a large #14 or #12 Pheasant Tail below a rubberleg.
The river has stayed steady at 5,500 cfs. This water conditions are very nice. The water is a little off color by the dam and through Swan Valley, but becomes crystal clear through the Canyon. The biggest issue with the water right now is the moss that has been dumped into the river from the reservoir. Fishing this weekend was good on a Chernobyl and and a bead head dropper. the fish have been keying in on red and black Zebra Midges. The BWO Redemption nymph and a red copper john have also been effective. Dropping a bead head about 3 feet below the hopper or Chernobyl and has helped with moss control. The streamer fishing has been decent with lots of chasing fish and a few players who are eating. I would personally consider the streamer fishing on the lower river really good right now. If you have questions call the shop. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.