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Fishing Reports

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / Fishing Reports (Page 7)

Still Waters, November 18th, 2023

To date, Springfield Lake offers some of the best still water fishing around. IDF&G has planted a number of fish including old brood rainbows, and hosts a good number of hold-overs going to trophy sizes. Midge activity has been prolific. Nymph and streamer (try fly rod jigs of various colors) patterns as well as midge life cycle patterns are effective,

Being mostly shallow, this reservoir makes floating lines appropriate for use because through their use patterns can be presented at effective depth or for top water and indicator aided fishing. Fishing on Springfield Reservoir is restricted to fishing with barbless artificial flies and lures and has a bag limit of two trout, none under twenty inches.

Similar to Springfield Reservoir in physical character, non-motorized Sand Creek Ponds north of St. Anthony offer the same fishing strategies for rainbow trout, but closes to fishing after November 30th.

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Main Stem Snake River, November 13th, 2023

This is currently the most convenient river to fish these days as nearby walk-in wade locations are numerous and relatively low water make fishing from a boat attractive. BWOs and midges emerge at certain locations along the river, and the next few days will offer pleasant daytime hours to enjoy trout responding to them. Switch to streamers during evening hours to encounter migrating brown trout.

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A Great Saturday Fly Tying Demo on November 11th.

A. J. Shows Some Featured Fly Patterns

A. J. Jorgensen treated us to a great and informative fly tying demo last Saturday. On doing so, his tenure as a South Fork guide shown through with respect to designing fly patterns. He offered his creations; Scooba Steve, Zole Bug, and Slammin’ Fly. Note taking was the frequent throughout attendees, and on request, A. J.repeated tying steps, explained why he used certain materials, and how to present each pattern.

A.J.’s Demo will be the last offered at the shop in November because the next two Saturdays are adjacent to the Thanksgiving holiday. Our demos will resume on the first Saturday in December. More later on who will be the demonstrating fly tiers.

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South Fork, November 13th, 2023

No real changes since our last report with respect to flow, water conditions or best time of day to be on the river. However if you enjoy fishing in pleasant weather, do so in the next few days because next week normal November weather (Brrr!) will prevail.

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Henry’s Fork, November 13th, 2023

Fun Farm Bridge at Dusk

This great weather will not last much longer, so get out and enjoy. Daytime hours are not only pleasant, but hold the best BWO and midge activity making their life cycle patterns a must for the fly box. Next week looks like normal November conditions will prevail.

One of the best happenings on the river is that aquatic vegetation has broken away giving more “fishable” water and a better chance for landing that big fish ( no weeds to bury into). Fly rod jigs are a good bet for streamer action with fish now concentrated in deeper water up and down the river. Plunk one into the top of any deep waters, let it sink and drift a bit, then retrieve with a “jigging motion” to make it rise and fall in the water column.

Headlines From Dr. Rob Van Kirk’s Henry’s Fork Drainage Water Status Report Filed Yesterday.

  • Last week was warm and dry, dropping water-year precipitation to 134% of average.
  • Generally dry conditions are expected to continue this week.
  • Natural flow continues to drop from its November 3 peak, but rate of recession has dropped to around 2% per day.
  • At an average outflow of 226 cfs yesterday, Island Park Reservoir gained 448 ac-ft and is 81% full, compared to 58% full on average.

Rob Van Kirk, Ph.D.

Senior Scientist

Henry’s Fork Foundation

P.O. Box 550

Ashton, ID 83420

208-881-3407 CELL

208-652-3568 FAX

[email protected]

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Henry’s Fork, November 11th, 2023

What applies to the South Fork with respect to fishing strategy much applies to the river below Ashton Dam. For the upper river streamers and double nymph rigs work best in such as Box Canyon and the Tubs. Flow is down ( about 200 cfs) in Box Canyon to the point that hard sided boats have a tough time avoiding its emerging structure. Day time is best for top water fishing and is comfortable as long as nice weather prevails. Remember that the fishing season in Harriman State Park closes on November 30th.

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South Fork, November 11th, 2023

Winter flow rates continue and will do so until the 2024 irrigation season begins. This means fish are concentrated in deeper water, but will come to riffles and runs to feed on hatching BWOs and midges. Nice weather is predicted well into next week making mid day fishing comfortable. If top water presentation for BWOs and midges is your preference, be sure to have their life cycle patterns in the fly box.. Streamer fishing ( including fly rod jigs) remains most successful under low light conditions.

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South West Montana, November 11th, 2023

The Madison River downstream from Reynolds Junction offers good fishing that should continue until cold weather arrives. Nymphing and presenting streamers are effective for action. Daytime hours are best, so begin fishing around noon.

It is best to fish the river between Quake and Hebgen Lakes at the lower end. This minimizes interfering with spawning brown trout concentrating at the upper end. Streamer fishing is the name of the game, and you will plenty of company doing so.

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Henry’s Lake, November 11th, 2023

No ice on the lake at this date. And on forming on isolated places the warm daytime air temperatures, are enough to melt what has formed. These daytime air temperatures are predicted for much of the upcoming week. So consider a visit because the lake will eventually ice over. Fishing remains somewhat spotty. A good strategy is to present a variety of fly patterns using an intermediate line until an effective one is found.

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