Big Lost River 5-19-12
It’s not safe wading below Mackay Dam today. Flow coming out of dam is over 500 cfs.
Author: cheeseburger
Small Streams 5-19-12
A lot of snow remains on the Grand Teton Range and the Yellowstone Plateau. All this must come down Teton River and Fall River respectively. So it will be a while before these waters and such as Bitch Creek and Robinson Creek are good fishing. For now stay with Warm River and other streams that do not drain high country.
South Fork 6/18
Flows were increased yesterday to 11,000 cfs. I think this was for irrigation demand. As of right now they are trying to fill the reservoir so I maintain my earlier statement that I don’t expect to see the water level raised on the river. However when irrigation demand comes the flows will go up and unfortunately we have no control or information when that might happen. We can only share with you when it does happen.
If you are looking to get away from the crowds that will be flocking to the Henry’s Fork for the Salmon Fly hatch. The South Fork can offer some really good fishing. Blue Wing Olives have been hatching in good numbers. The nymphing and streamer fishing has been good as well. This would be a great weekend to go camping in the canyon because of the lack of people fishing the South Fork right now. Not much has changed for nymphing techniques. Rubberlegs with an assortment of beadhead nymphs will be highly effective. Don’t forget about the San Juan worm, its a favorite this time of year.
We have gotten all of our new fly patterns in for the season. We have some really great new flies stop by to get some and go catch some fish. As always feel free to call the shop for up to the minute details.
Henry’s Fork 5/18
So much talk about the Henry’s Fork right now. It is definitely the place to be if you want to chase some dry flies. The stonefly emergence is happening right now on the lower river. From Warm River down to Chester you will find those big boys on the bank hatching and flying around. I haven’t heard any solid news of flies above the Warm River, however I expect them to start happening soon. Big stonefly nymphs have been catching fish as well, don’t rule out this fly when the dry fly action slows down. Don’t hesitate to put a stonefly nymph below a big dry salmon fly. We have a great selection of Salmon flies that will float a weighted nymph. Caddis have also been working well on the surface.
The water quality below the Ashton dam has been fairly good. I would not rule out floating from Vernon to Chester you will find some really good fishing here and fewer crowds of people who have been scared off by the construction of the Ashton Dam.
South Fork 5/16
Flows have remained steady at 10,500cfs out of the dam. I got a water report today and now they are afraid they might not fill the system up, which means we can expect to see flows stay fairly steady until they have to spill water once the reservoir is full. We should see fishing starting to pick up as the water begin to warm. The only thing that will throw the fishing off now is high flows from the Dam, which isn’t going to happen anytime soon…I hope. Or runoff from the tributaries like Pallisades Creek, Falls Creek and Pine Creek. As I write this right now these tribs are not putting dirty water into the river.
Nymphing Rubberlegs, San Jaun Worms, and a variety of little nymphs will be your best technique for catching fish. Blue Wing Olives have been hatching in good numbers on the lower river. Look for fish sipping dry flies in the foam lines of eddies and back water holes.
Henry’s Fork 5/16
Salmon flies are starting to hatch on the Warm River to Ashton Stretch. This is the beginning of the hatch the Salmon flies are not out in huge numbers but they are there and trout are eating dries and nymphs. You also have a good showing of caddis out and hatching. I expect the Vernon to Chester stretch to start soon and we will update the report as soon as we know.
Big Lost River 5-15-12
Flow out of Mackay Dam was upped to 600 cfs on May11th. Flow remains that high, so forget wading the river below the dam for a while!
Still Waters 5-15-12
Not much change in these since our May 12th report. Daniels Reservoir remains the star of the show. Try indicator fishing with midge pupa in shallow waters such as the upper end for best results. Don’t overlook using an intermediate line in shallow water for trying anything looking like a damselfy nymph.
Small Streams 5-15-12
Any of these draining high country will have increasing run-off because of our warmer than normal weather. Fall and Teton rivers and much of their higher drainages are seeing increased flows. Look at our May 12th report for smaller waters not so much impacted by run-off. Check to be sure these are presently open for catch and release fishing .
Henry’s Fork 5-15-12
Sightings of large stoneflies flying last weekend in the Warm River to Ashton reach are greatly exaggerated. High-flying birds may have been mistaken for these, or maybe a few bugs were coming over from Warm River. For sure the big stonefly nymphs are moving in Warm River to Ashton, in Cardiac Canyon, and the river below Ashton Dam. No doubt a few adults have formed by now. But fish are likely full of nymphs, so wait a while before they begin keying on the adults which will surely increase in number. Best chances for top water fishing success in these parts of the river are from caddis and March browns. Speaking of the Ashton Dam, draw-down began on May 11th. That means the river below will be off-color now through opening day and beyond. We’ll keep you posted about the effects of draw-down which should not be as drastic as last year.