The Ashton-Flagg road is open to four-wheel drive vehicles. Soft places in the road must dry up for a two-wheel drive traffic recommendation. Warm weather will help this happen. Fall River Basin and Teton River Basin streams draining high country remain high with run-off. All others are in great fishing shape. Get in touch with us to find the best of these at any time.
This is run-off season, and expect it to last if we continue to have ups and downs in the weather. Look for streams that do not have high elevation drainages or variable irrigation inflows. Come in and talk to us, call us, or email us for information on which small streams may be suitable for a visit. Once again, the Ashton-Flagg Road is closed. The road at east side of Calf Creek Hill is one place where abundant snow remains on the road.
What a difference a day makes, goes that old song! We were thinking run-off was over, but then along comes a couple of days of record warmth. Now any stream draining high country is where it should be this time of year–chock full of run-off. Fall River, which drains Madison and Pitchstone plateaus in Yellowstone Park is flowing around 2500 cfs and climbing at the Yellowstone gauge. A few days ago it was just under 1600 cfs there . This is sure to impact Henry’s Fork fishing below Chester Dam. Stick to streams that do not drain high country for now. Try Warm River, keep in touch with us about fishing the Blackfoot River below the reservoir because irrigation demands will soon raise flows out of the dam. Small streams such as Birch Creek, Camas Creek, and Beaver Creek are great places for light weight equipment.
Some snow was added to mountains during our recent cool weather spell. And a considerable amount remains from winte at highest elevations. Streams that drain high country may appear to be in great shape, but as weather warms expect many to show signs of runoff. This really applies to such as the Fall River and Teton River drainages. Flow in the lower Blackfoot River is up because of irrigation needs. Expect an up and down flow through the growing season.
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.
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 .
Warm weather means run off will return big time. Look at all the snow left in the Grand Teton Range and the Yellowstone Plateau. Its all gotta come down! Warm River is an exception. Stoneflies are flying on the lower river. The lower Blackfoot River from the dam down to the Morgan Bridge area offer good fishing. Discolor is coming in from tributaries draining higher country. The Birch Creek family area is offering twenty fish afternoons to anyone coming there with lightweight gear.
Warm weather coming up will bring more run off into streams draining high country. This will put “kibosh” on fishing these for a while. Warm River is an exception if you accept that not many large trout are present. Same goes for the Birch Creek family area and diversion.
Run off remains the culprit here. And it looks like that’ll be the case for a while. Fall River and Teton River, both open to catch & release fishing, drain high country and their increased flows mean slow fishing and impacts on the lower Henry’s Fork. There are a few exceptions. Warm River, also open to catch & release fishing, does not drain high country. It is a bit high and clear, but can be fished. Blackfoot River from the dam to the bridge just below is in fishing condition. Birch Creek diversion and in the family area are in excellent shape. Expect fast afternoon fishing when small (#14-#18, your choice) bead head nymphs and even small (#16-#20, midge & BWO patterns) dry flies are presented. PM water temperatures are in the high 50s in degrees Fahrenheit, just about ideal for aquatic insect and fish activity. Use your favorite light weight rod, and you will have a great time.
Most are impacted by run off because of recent warm weather. Exception is the Birch Creek diversion and family area where a light weight rod and small bead head nymph patterns are ideal for afternoon fishing. You may see some BWO activity.