May 2010
Today at Jimmy’s 5-18-10
We have on hand a large stock of Boots Allen’s just released book Snake River Fly Fishing. This is the first major book to describe fly fishing on the upper Snake River including the South Fork reach from Palisades Dam to the Henry’s Fork confluence. Within, Boots discusses angling strategies, effective fly patterns, personalities, and natural history. Whether you enjoy fishing the South Fork reach or the river above Palisades Reservoir, this definitive book will have information that will enhance your angling experience.
Mark Saturday, June 12th on your calendar as a day to be at Jimmy’s.
Here’s why: Beginning at 10:00 AM, Boots Allen will be at the shop to sign copies of Snake River Fly Fishing and tie flies featured within. For sure he will discuss the contents and give fly fishing tips for the upcoming season. Looking for a great Father’s Day gift? This book fits the bill!
Boots Allen
Can’t be at the shop during this event? Come in beforehand to obtain a copy, leave instructions on how you want Boots to sign it, and pick up at your convenience.
South Fork 5/17
This past weekend was the big flush and the flows have begun to drop and will continue to drop until the river is at irrigation flows. I expect the river to drop another 2,000cfs and level out by Thursday. I was up in Swan Valley this morning and yesterday and the river up there looks really good! Right now today the flows is at 16,500 cfs. You can fish from the Dam to Conant boat Ramp. The water has good visibility but it gets pretty soupy and dirty by the time you get to the Wolf boat ramp so we suggest fishing the upper section through Swan Valley. Nymphs and Streamers will be the ticket until water temps warm up towards the end of June and we get some more bug activity. After the flush we will have some new obstacles so make sure to walk side channels.
Henry’s Fork 5/17
Got Salmon flies?
That is the question we have been hearing a lot around here. So here is the news! We have had good reports of stonefly nymph activity around the Vernon Bridge and below the Chester Dam. Warm River to Ashton has also had similar reports. The adults have not made an appearance yet but they are almost about ready to pop. Stay posted to the fishing report and we will let you know when that time does officially happen. If you were planning a day on the water I would look to the end of the week for those adults to be buzzing around. March Browns and Blue Wings are hatching in good numbers with fish eating them on the surface.
Southwestern Montana 5-14-10
General season opens this Saturday (tomorrow). We know that’s a fact because of all the Montana licenses we are selling! Hebgen Reservoir will be ice free, Clark Canyon is fishing well. We do not have information on Wade, Cliff & Elk lakes yet.
Henry’s Fork 5-14-10
The lower river (Warm River on downstream) is at its early season best. Remember that it is closed from Ashton Dam to Vernon Bridge until general season opening to protect spawning ‘bows. Here’s the ledger on what is active: BWOs in the PM with overcast conditions being best time. March browns, same conditions best, Caddis life cycle patterns and yellow sallys, any time. Streamers work well in evenings; concentrate on waters out of the sun and with overhead cover. Big stonefly nymph patterns should be in your fly box and they will become increasingly important as we move through the next several days. It’s early to see any adult giant stoneflies. That’s also several days away, but when we get word that fish are keying on them, we’ll pass it on as part of this report.
Still Waters 5-14-10
Damsel nymph patterns are the way to go on Daniels, Springfield and Hawkins reservoirs. Use intermediate lines, and concentrate on shallower water. Midge pupa patterns underneath a strike indicator work well on these, as usual. Being at higher elevations, Chesterfield and Twenty-Four Mile reservoirs are coming on. Look for our warming weather to improve action on these. As soon as information comes in on these we will post such here.
Small Streams 5-14-10
The Birch Creek Family Area above Lone Pine is a great choice to take a youngster, anyone new to fly fishing, or to try out that light weight fly rod. Right now the creek is in near perfect shape. It’s high country water, so fish (rainbows & brookies) and insects do not become active until mid day. Then look for caddis, small stoneflies, and BWOs to become active and for fish to respond. Small bead head nymphs, the almost forgotten peacock wooly worm, dry attractors, yellow sally patterns, or life cycle patterns for caddis and BWOs are just the ticket. Come to the shop for more information on this great little stream.
Main Stem Snake River 5-14-10
Feeling the effects of the Palisades flush, too. Result is a high & discolored river. So better fishing is elsewhere until it passes.