Bill Schiess was in the shop today. We had to ask when he thought the lake would ice up. His answer:” any night now!” Last year the lake iced up during the night of 11/21-22. Until it ices up this year, use intermediate lines to present leech patterns in fall colors. Shorelines and around weed beds are best locations, but hurry: the fishing season here ends November 30th.
Brrrr! The Madison is fishing quite well, but dress warmly as early AM temps are getting closer to zero in Deg. F. Count on ice in the guides for a while. Streamers and bead head nymphs will be the best choices.
Most of these are at the end of the season. The lower Teton River, the lower Fall River, The Portneuf River along old Highway 30, Birch Creek near Kaufmann Campground and the family area remain accessible. Midges will provide dry fly fishing on all of these, so bring life cycle patterns. Streamers in small sizes, bead head nymphs, and soft hackle patterns should also be in your fly boxes. Remember that most of these close on November 30th. Check IDF&G fishing regulations.
Freeze-up may be coming soon to such as C-field, Daniels and 24-Mile, so get out and enjoy them now as they are fishing really well. Leach patterns in fall colors and intermediate lines as well as midge life cycle patterns are the ticket on all of these.
Looks like 900 cfs out of Palisades Dam ( translates to around 1400 cfs at Heise) will be the flow to expect for the winter. It’s rough on floating the river, with respect to time (so consider short trips), but look at all the great walk-in locations we now have! These flows will concentrate fish in deeper water other than going to riffles if a hatch is taking place. Continue using streamers for the deeper water, and always carry midge life cycle patterns. The BWO emergences will begin to fade as we get into winter.
With water temps in the high thirties, Deg. F. you have to fish DEEP.
Streamers remain the most effective way to encounter the large ‘bows and browns here. Remember, the river remains open to fishing all year, and during winter months can be a great location to get out on bluebird days.
To find best action on the lower river, try streamers in waters not in direct sunlight, especially early & late in the day. Streamers will also produce in Box Canyon. On the lower river, midge and BWO emergences are best during low light conditions. Much of the river above Riverside Campground closes the end of the month. Check IDF&G fishing regulations.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is only 60 cfs. This may be the winter month flow, and it concentrates fish in deeper holes. But just below the dam fish are responding well to dry midge and small soft hackle patterns. Use sizes 18-22 for both. Action slows on the river as one goes downstream.
Today we received our Buffs head wear order. We have expanded our selection on Buffs Head wear to accommodate more of our customers. Buffs head wear is a modified bandanna that is typically used as sun protection while outside. Buffs became very popular with saltwater fisherman while out on the flats boat, and have found popularity with freshwater fisherman in the last few years. Although a buff has many uses, I want to highlight a few of my favorite uses for the Buff. During the summer you can use your buff as sun protection for your face as I mentioned before. One of the most popular ways is to put the buff up and over your nose and cover your ears. Than put your hat, and sunglasses on. This completely covers your face from the sun, and offers great UV protection. Buff provides two models to wear in the sun. The Original Buff and the UV Buff. Both models offer sun protection, but the UV Buff has 30 SPF and coolmax built into the fabric. Coolmax is a fabric that is breathable and keeps the skin cool at the same time. Another great Buff application is a bandanna around your neck. During those hot July and August days in the afternoon, take you buff off dip it in the river and put it around your neck. You will be surprised how quickly you will cool down. If you have ever used a Buff you will agree that after wearing one all day it is amazing how much better you feel at the end of the day. Your face isn’t fried and beat up from the sun.
Many of you might be wondering if a Buff is useful on days when the sun isn’t shining, and fishing in stormy weather. I personally use a buff everyday! Buff also has a model called the Polar Buff. This piece has multiple applications. It can be used for hunting, skiing, fishing, camping or hiking in cold weather. The Polar Buff has polar fleece attached to the bottom of it to help trap body heat, allowing you to stay warm while outside in the elements.
Come on down to the shop and see all of our new Buff designs. They make great gifts or stocking stuffers for anyone who loves the outdoors. We have a great selection to choose from including womens styles.