For most of these, let’s wait until cooler weather happens. So many fish get stressed with the high water temps and less dissolved oxygen, they would thank you to wait a bit until they can give you a better account of their abilities.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is about 350 cfs making for good wading conditions in the river below. Tricos are out in good numbers there. With terrestrial insects abundant and fish taking them and a good late afternoon caddis emergence a trip to fish below the dam is worth considering.
Flow out of Palisades Dam stays around 124400-12500 cfs making for consistent conditions including water temp. , currently about 64 deg. F. That means fishing conditions have not changed much since our last report. So for the time being continue to pitch chernobyl types, hopper patterns, and super renegades toward banks for good results. Expect spotty riffle fishing until flow out of Palisades Dam drops significantly.
Tricos are beginning to show in good numbers on many waters making for early AM action. But presenting terrestrial patterns during daytime remains the best way to get action. Days with cumulus build-up will offer best chances. So will fishing around overhead cover and near well vegetated banks.
Big Elk Creek is now well worth a visit. Fish take terrestrial patterns around early afternoon. Many “go to sleep” until flavs emerge in late afternoon when water temps get to around mid 50s in degrees F. Then all become active to make for great top water fishing. Last Wednesday kokanee were about a mile up the creek. Now they are much further. They don’t bother the cutts from feeding, but they do bring all kinds of anglers. If you witness kokanee snaggers, make an identity effort (vehicle registration works) then contact IDG&F. IDF&G has plainclothes officers patrolling the creek, but they can use help in stopping this illegal activity.
We traveled by Henry’s Lake yesterday, and sure enough we could see boats stacked up in front of Hope and Duck creeks. Off in the distance we thought we could see boats in front of Targhee Creek. So that pretty much tells the story of where to fish the lake (try small prince nymphs, mity mites, small crystal buggers.) In front of the cliffs, you ask? Only one boat was there when we went by.
Keep watching the Henry’s Fork Foundation web site for developments and discussions on coffer dam situation at the Ashton Dam. As Everet mention in his 8/16 “Today at Jimmy’s” report, we have Mike Lawson’s new book ” Fly-Fishing Guide to the Henry’s Fork” in stock. This book has all of Mike’s angling knowledge on each part of this great river. No one knows the river in its entirety as well as Mike. This book proves it and sharing it demonstrates Mike’s generosity. Mike offers that for several reasons August is his favorite month to fish the Harriman State Park reach of the Henry’s Fork. That is right now, and the best source for strategy to do so is in his new book. Come in and pick up a copy now, or get in touch to have us put one aside for your next visit.
We just received Mike Lawsons new book “Fly Fishing Guide to the Henrys Fork” today. I have only had a chance to briefly scan through it, but I can tell you that this is an awesome book. There is a lot of very detailed information regarding the different stretches of river and hatches found throughout the year. Combine all that information with some awesome photography and this book is a great one. Come check it out!
Fastest still water fishing in the Park is, you guessed it, Beula Lake. Riddle Lake is not far behind. Both can be fished from shore, but getting out in a float tube results in best fishing. Beula is a longer walk at 2.75 miles, whereas Riddle is just under two miles over easier terrain. No complicated flies or strategy are needed for both these small lakes well populated with Yellowstone cutts. Your favorite bead head nymphs, small leech patterns, speckled dun life cycle, and damselfly life cycle patterns will produce.
Robinson Creek is fishing well. The canyon location and inflow from springs keep it in good shape this time of year. Best location is off the road connecting Fish Creek Road and the Cave Falls Road. It’s a bit steep but, walk down to the creek just north of the crossing. If it is too steep, try the creek upstream past the LDS church girl’s camp off the Cave Falls Road. Take terrestrial patterns, traditional attractors, and caddis for the evening. With four kinds of trout present, you never know for sure what you will encounter in Robinson Creek.