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Small Streams

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / Small Streams (Page 9)

Small Streams, April 25th, 2020

robinson creek3

Eastern Idaho received a higher than normal amount of snow last winter.  Now that our weather is warming significantly, run-off in large proportions is here. Examples include the Willow Creek and upper Blackfoot River drainages with both having some flood potential. The upper Blackfoot River drainage and Willow Creek tributaries do not open to fishing until July first, but their run-off situations provide what to expect on eastern Idaho streams draining high country and being open for catch and release fishing.  Many of these streams are currently unreachable until roads are passable but can provide good fishing when run-off subsides.   The best way to find when such roads open is to contact local National Forest ranger district and BLM offices.

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Small Streams 10-29-19

Current weather makes traveling over back country roads to some of our small streams downright dangerous because of blowing, drifting snow and wind chill. Consider checking with county road maintenance operations before going to such as the Blackfoot River drainage or the Teton River drainage.

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Small Streams 10-8-19

The number of small streams offering good fishing this time of year narrows with cold water temperatures, reduced cover, and slowing insect activity being the major reasons.   Some still offering some fishing success include Blackfoot, Teton, and Warm Rivers. Teton and Warm Rivers offer BWO hatches that still attract trout.  On the Blackfoot River diminishing caddis activity is present with success through presenting streamer patterns increasing.

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Small Streams 9-24-19

Early AM tricos provide action on the Teton River. Later in the day BWOs take over. Look for terrestrial insect patterns to become less effective as colder weather takes over. The same will soon apply to the lower and upper Blackfoot River with respect to terrestrial insects if the stretch of predicted bad weather brings a killing frost.  Forget trying small streams until next spring.  They are now too cold and low to offer good fishing.

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Small Streams 9-17-19

Conant Creek

Don’t rely on very small streams for the rest of the season as they most likely are at base level meaning cold and having reduced overhead cover.  Exceptions could be upper Birch, Big Elk, Bitch, and Palisades Creeks. Such as the Blackfoot, Teton, Warm, and Buffalo Rivers will remain good for quite a while thanks to streamers, caddis and late season (BWO) mayfly activity and terrestrial insect presence until a killing frost happens.

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Small Streams 8-31-19

Most small streams are down to base flows. For headwater streams this means larger fish are moving downstream seeking more overhead cover opportunities. Look for decrease in recreational boaters and boarders on the river in Teton Basin where dry fly fishing (hoppers, PMD, sallies) has been good.

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Small Streams 8-20-19

Bitch Creek

Thanks to the great snowfall we had in the area mountains last winter, most of our small streams will remain in good shape for weeks to come.  Currently some are offering great fishing. Teton River in the basin with PMDs, sallys, and terrestrial insect all feeding trout makes a good choice if you visit around the mid-day recreational boat hatch. Big Elk Creek with its getting so popular PM western green drake activity is another.  Palisades Creek with daytime terrestrial insect and PM caddis activity  deserves consideration.  Both are non-motorized so tranquility reigns. Warm River just below its big spring is another small stream worth considering for a visit.  There are several more quality small waters in out area that offer good fishing combined with scenery and solitude.   If you are looking for this combination, we can offer suggestions.   Just get in touch with a visit to the shop or call (208-525-7160).

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Small Streams 8-13-19

Big Elk (2)

The western green drake (aka flav hatch) is ongoing on Palisades Reservoir and South Fork tributaries. On most of these streams it is somewhat sparse with that on Big Elk Creek being the exception.  If you find the Big Elk Creek event to be well attended by eager fly-fishers, remember that trout awaiting the same event are in Bear, McCoy, Palisades, and Pine Creek. Consider that trout there  are present 24/7, and even though the hatch of these flies may be sparse, they are totally aware of and make use of it.

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Small Streams 8-10-19

 

 

Bitch Creek

The choice here is almost endless. Only a few are worth avoiding. this includes the Blackfoot River below the reservoir, Teton River in the basin during mid-day hours, and small upper drainage streams that have warmed such that fish have moved downstream to more comfortable waters. If you are trying to choose a small stream that currently offers good fishing, let us help.  Get in touch!

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