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Author: cheeseburger

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / Articles posted by cheeseburger (Page 37)

Big Lost River 4-10-12

Flow out of Mackay Dam remains around 130 cfs. It has been near this figure for several weeks now. This should catch your eye because it indicates a stable fishery.  The Big Lost River below Mackay Dam now offers the most consistent fishing in this part of Idaho.  It will stay that way until flows are bumped up.  Midge and BWO life cycle patterns should be in your fly box when you visit here.  Small bead head nymphs and annelid patterns should be there too.  Afternoons will offer the best fishing.

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South Fork 4/9

Flows got bumped again his weekend to 10,000 cfs. Looks like they did it around noon on Friday. So things should have calmed down by now as far as fishing goes. You will want to fish deep. 9-10 feet from your indicator to your first fly. I would also fish with really heavy flies. Stonefly nymphs, and larger bead head nymphs that are bright and noticeable in the off color water.  Look for fish to be in the slow water and they will be on the bottom.  Also look for fish looking for some relief from the higher flows in the side channels and eddy’s.

Henry’s Fork 4/5

Water quality is still good on the Henry’s Fork. The Fall River is putting a little color into the river below Chester Dam but it is not enough to worry about. Midges have still been hatching in good numbers, not a lot of activity with Blue Wing Olives. BWO’s should be hatching in large numbers any day now. Nymphing and streamer fishing between the dry fly hatches have also been producing fish.

 

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South Fork 4/5

The river took a big jump last night in terms of flows. The Current flows on the river at Irwin is now 7,000 cfs. Most of the wading possibilities that we have during the winter time with the low flows is now over. You can still find spots to wade fishing on the South Fork but it will be limited. We will keep you updated on the flows as they change. Refer to yesterdays post about fishing techniques.

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South Fork 4-4

Flows have been decreased on the South Fork. Currently the flows out of Irwin are at 4,400 cfs. We will see increases this month as room is needed in Palisades Reservoir. We don’t expect a crazy water year but that can change quickly. As flows and fishing conditions change we will keep you all updated. Feel free to call the shop for the most recent update.

Not much has changed as far as fishing goes right now. Nymphing is still the most effective technique for hooking fish. Good midge hatches have been reported with moderate feeding on the surface. Depending on how much water we receive we could potentially see a good Caddis and Blue Wing Olive hatch later this month. Be sure to check back as this month progresses

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Still Waters 3-24-12

Springfield Reservoir offers the best still water fishing right now.   Follow  the strategy we suggest  in previous reports on Springfield.  The only other ice-free water we know of at this time are American Falls and Hawkins reservoirs.  We have no reports on fly-fishing activity at Hawkins to date.

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Big Lost River 3-24-12

Flow out of Mackay Dam has been almost constant at around 135 cfs so far, but with warming weather it could bump up soon. BWOs are on the increase to the point that fish seem to take them more than taking midges. Take your favorite BWO life cycle patterns (small bead head nymphs,too!) when you go and take the advise that as the weather warms, the flow out of Mackay Dam will increase.

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South Fork 3/21

Flows have been moving around lately however I don’t feel like they have been moving so much it is affecting the fishing. Right now flows are at 6,000cfs. Due to construction on a bridge by the dam these flows should remain steady for the time being. Most boat ramps are open right now however make sure you can get in out before you float. These flows are good levels for float fishing, however I would still concentrate on specific water where the fish are holding. Eddies, deep holes and slow pools.

Good midge hatches on the water right now. Fish a pulsating midge to rising fish and a Zebra Midge to fish holding under the surface. Clouser minnows have been effective when presented really slow with not much movement. Pat’s Rubberleg in a size 8 have been also producing good numbers of fish below the surface.

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Still Waters 3-17-12

Fly-fishing from the banks at Springfield Reservoir is effective lately.  Locations are limited, and water has not warmed much.  But try the unoccupied docks near the culvert under Highway 39 and at the east end park.  There is some room to move around on the south shoreline  behind Homer’s resort, but be careful of the deep mud in places. You do not want that cold water inside your waders!  Try small wooly bugger types or small prince nymphs on an intermediate line and a slow troll.  Midge activity should soon be on the increase as water warms, so have your floating line, indicators and midge pupa patterns available.

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Lower Henry’s Fork 3-15-12

Just an update on our earlier report from a few days ago. The water has discolored from Vernon Bridge downstream due to field runoff. This should clear in a few days as the low runoff melts and the ground thaws allowing the water to sink into the ground. This is probably a good time to use #4 and 6 Stonefly Nymphs and the streamer of  your choice.

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