So we have been writing a lot of reports for the South Fork recently because of all the changes in water flows. Flows have dropped today down to 3600 cfs. Fishing will still remain the same with the Blue Wing Olives, nymphing and the streamers are starting to pick up. This weekend is supposed to be stormy, expect some good fishing!
This “November weather” is just what we need to get things moving. Midge pupa patterns below a strike indicator will work just about everywhere as we cool of. So will small leech and scud patterns.
Break out the streamers; it brown trout time on many rivers!
Some of the smaller ones are “going to sleep for the winter”. Others such as the Blackfoot, Teton and Portneuf rivers and Birch, Robinson and Sawmill creeks will be great during Indian summer days if we get any. Attractor and caddis patterns work on top, bead head and small leech patterns work below.
A new location for fly fishers is the Fox Ranch reach of the Blackfoot River. Recently purchased by the Monsanto Corporation, this part of the river is reached off the Blackfoot River Road east of Henry, Idaho. Primarily a cutthroat fishery, it holds a few rainbows and a rare brook trout. With seven miles of new water open to the public, it is certainly worth considering.
Choice of best fishing now is pretty much down to either top water with BWOs at such as the Firehole, Gibbon and Madison River and the Lamar River drainage or streamer fishing for migrating browns or bows. For browns the current best waters are Madison, Lewis, and Snake rivers. The Gardner River will kick in later in the month. Want a still water break from this? About the middle of this month Trout Lake will kick in. The biggest cut-bow hybrids in Park waters reside here. Another is to wade Lewis Lake shoreline and pitch streamers while wearing well insulated waders.
Flow out of Palisades Dam was dropped to 4060 cfs three days ago. This certainly makes for safer wading conditions. Other than that, the info Tim passed on yesterday is current. But certainly expect more flow reductions in the near future.
We are now getting reports of large fish being caught here through fishing streamer patterns. With flow dropping to normal levels from Menan to American Falls Res., there are a huge number of great locations to walk-in-wade or to float. Come to the shop to learn some out from this great choice. Also be sure you have a sink-tip line for presenting those streamers. We have a great selection of these as well as taking streamer patterns.
This weather is just the ticket to make fishing here more consistent. It may be tough to stay comfortable during it, but we will have some bluebird days when Henry’s will be a fun place to fish. Look for action to really pick up now. Shallow water will be best, so be sure to pack that intermediate line and leech patterns in fall colors.
With all this blue winged olive weather you do not need any more hints as to what’s working throughout the river. PMs are best, but nymphs early in the day will also be effective.
But do not overlook streamers! Flows are low (1500 cfs at St. Anthony, 1100 cfs at Ashton, 300 cfs in Box Canyon above Buffalo River) so there is plenty of locations to present streamers during low light conditions. Streamer fishing will be the most effective way to encounter large trout here as we move through the fall months.
With flows out of Mackay Dam at a bit over 200 cfs, the river below is very wadable. Tricos are past their peak, but BWOs and midges make for great top water fishing. Small bead head nymphs always work. Choose your favorite. There is good public access just below the dam and at the campground downstream.