You will see redfish in Big Elk Creek for a while. They will not hurt the fishing but will bring out the “gold rush mentality” in some folks. So there may be some crowds around the lower creek. Other than that, it remains a great time on all our small waters with hoppers so numerous.
Look for a stormy second half of the weekend, but between now & then go with terrestrial and spruce moth patterns on streams.and Speckled duns and tricos are diminishing, so gulpers have slowed on Hebgen and other waters. Give em one last try before the stormy weather begins later this weekend.
Flow out of Chesterfield has been stopped making for a good chance for holdover water. Currently fishing here has been slowed because of algae growth. Daniels is providing excellent still water fishing with leech patterns on intermediate lines and midge life cycle patterns. Some gulpers remain, so speckled dun emergers (hare’s ear nymphs) just below the surface still produce. Same applies to some gulpers left working on Springfield Reservoir.
Flows are almost double traditional amounts for this time of year, but look for them to drop as flow out of Palisades Dam ramps down. Meanwhile terrestrial and streamer patterns close to banks will bring action.
Trout going after spruce moths on streams near pine forests and gulpers after speckled duns & tricos (diminishing a bit) are providing best action.
Flow out of Palisades Dam has dropped to 12000 cfs. This small amount should not impact fish activity, but look for flows to continue to drop as USBurRec begins storing water for the next irrigation season. Labor Day weekend is an important one for most anglers, so if we learn of any flow change out of Palisades Dam, we will post them here. Meanwhile, stick to those terrestrial patterns tight to the banks, and don’t overlook streamer patterns in the same locations especially early or late in the day. Mutant stoneflies are out making for some AM fishing. Also do not overlook the evening caddis activity.
Look for action to pick up all along the river when we begin cooling in September. For now terrestrial patterns bring the best action during days when wind is not blowing a gale. The Warm River to Ashton reach is providing some action for those presenting streamers early and late in the day.
Daniels and Twenty-four mile reservoirs are holding up well with respect to fishing success. Try speckled duns on the surface for any gulpers. Try green apple leeches and halloweens on intermediate lines to get into fish at depths. Trail these with a speckled dun emerger, such as a bead head hares ear. An algae bloom has made Chesterfield look like pea soup, and fishing there has slacked a bit. Springfield has good days and bad days.
Flav emergence is going on during afternoons on the South Fork tribs. This is a great event for those fly-fishers enjoying smaller waters and solitude. Other than that terrestrial patterns bring excellent action on all small waters. Some streams, such as the Teton River in Teton Basin also offer early AM trico spinner falls
No significant change in flows here. Best fishing remains below Blackfoot where streamers and hopper are best patterns. In a few weeks look for snowflake dun emergence on the river just above American Falls Reservoir.