Still Waters 3-26-16
Most of our lakes and ponds remain iced over or just beginning to lose ice. When we learn of any becoming ice free and fishing well, we will post such information here.
March 2016
Henry’s Fork 3-21-16
Big news here is that BWOs are emerging up and down the river from Last Chance to Chester. Weather forecast is for lots of unsettled weather this week, so afternoons on the river could see a lot of action for those presenting BWO life cycle patterns. But don’t rule out presenting streamer and stonefly nymph patterns especially during low light conditions.
Main Stem Snake River 3-21-16
River flow in the Shelley area is about 900 cfs below normal. That is good news for wading, but water remains cold at the high thirties in degrees Fahrenheit. Triploid rainbows are fairly active and respond to nymphing and small streamers.
South Fork 3-21-16
Flow just below Palisades Dam is a little under 900 cfs. At Heise it is 1400 cfs and remains in the mid 30’s in degrees Fahrenheit. No wonder there is not much dry fly activity! Zebra midges, rubber legs, and San Juan worms fished around riffles are bringing responses. Expect many of those responses to be from whitefish.
Main Stem Snake River 3-8-16
Flows throughout the river are lower than average, and most of the river banks are free of ice and snow. Boat ramps are open, but walk-in wade fishing is just as convenient. Triploid rainbows in moderate sizes are responding well. There are many places available for walk-in wade fishing. Get in touch with us, or stop by so we can help choose a location for such. Currently, the best chance for action is through presenting streamer patterns under low light conditions.
Fishing Season Is Here
Not much of winter is left, meaning fly-fishers are getting out to shake off cabin fever. For sure access is currently limited because of remaining snow and ice, but each day a bit more opens. Another sign of the times is the shop receives increasing calls and emails asking for access information and ” where to find action.” Therefore we are beginning our fishing reports to answer increasing inquiries. We begin with information on the Henry’s Fork, the South Fork, and the main stem Snake River. When access becomes practical to other waters we will post such information here. So keep our fishing report in mind because it will offer increasing information on access and fish activity.
Small Streams 3-8-16
Problem here is that roads in nearly all places remain snowed in. With effort required to go through snow, lower reaches of such as Fall, and Teton Rivers are open. Warm River is open to catch and release fishing.
Henry’s Fork 3-8-16
Walk-in fishing is the way to go on most of the river. Boat ramps are not cleared of enough snow to make launching and taking out much fun. As soon as we hear that certain ramps are cleared, we will post such info here. For now, if you must float, rafting is more practical, but you will need rope!
Fishing has been good along the river. Midge and BWO life cycle patterns provide action for floating line enthusiasts, while March browns should be doing the same not too far in the future. Giant stonefly nymph and steamer patterns are providing action for the sink-tip line enthusiasts. Some places to look for action include Last Chance area for good midge hatches. Henry’s Fork Anglers (HFA) offers that in Box Canyon midge life cycle, giant stonefly nymph and streamer patterns will result in action. Snow shoes or cross country skis may help access during warmer days. HFA also offers that rainbows are moving into the river above Island Park Reservoir, and access is best when snow is hard enough to support weight.
This year the river between Ashton Dam and the Vernon Bridge is open ONLY for catch and release fishing. Same for the river between Riverside Campground and the lower Harriman State Park boundary. Please report any violators to IDF&G.