We just received word for Tom that the water at Chesterfield lo0ked like chocolate milk! As we continue runoff for the time being, this reservoir will remain muddy. Stay tuned for more details and we will let you know as soon as the water clears.
Birch Creek family area and the diversion remain the best choice for small waters. Any small stream draining high country is full of run off now. Birch Creek is the exception.
These are coming around, and for the most part offer the best fishing in the area. That’s because run off has reached most of our streams. Midging will bring you action–just find the taking depth. Damselfly nymphs, small bead head nymphs, and leech patterns are the ticket most everywhere. Most action will be in shallower water, so concentrate your efforts there. The upper end of Daniels Res. , Hawkins Res. in front of the dam and along the roadside willows, Chesterfield Res. from the Toponce diversion to the dam are good candidate places to try now.
Not much going on with the high water right now. Warm River and Robinson Creek are bringing in some dirty water and the Falls River is mighty high. This pretty much leaves Box Canyon and the flows were just increased to 900 cfs, if these flows remain somewhat steady the Box will fish well with nymphs and streamers.
Flows have remained steady at 18,000 cfs. The water is dirty and blown out, if you really want to fish I suggest the upper section in Swan Valley. Throw large heavy nymphs and fish them deep under an indicator. You pretty much are going to have to get right in front of the fish’s face, however it is possible to catch fish. I expect the South Fork to be off color and ripping high for at least 3 weeks. As conditions change we will keep you updated.
Improvements coming everywhere with our warming weather. For all of these midge pupa below indicators, once you find the taking depth, will work. So will damselfly nymph patterns and small leech patterns. If you try shallows on all still waters, which you should,don’t overlook dragonfly nymph patterns this time of year. Fish them right on the bottom, with a slow retrieve (towards shorelines) interrupted with an occasional twitch.
No big changes since last report–flow below Mackay Dam is at 450 cfs.
No change here; Birch Creek (family area or diversion) is the place to go. Remember; Birch Creek is mostly a spring creek and sees only small run-off.
With runoff starting fishing has become somewhat limited on the Henry’s Fork. Warm River to Ashton stretch has blown out, and so have the river below the Chester Dam. This basically leaves the Box Canyon and Vernon to Chester for fishing. March Browns, Caddis, and Blue Wing Olives have been hatching in good numbers. The river is probably going to feel really crowded these next few weeks. These sections of water are basically it for fishing right now. Remember to be courteous to each other and use common sense.
Flows got bumped back up to 18,000cfs over the weekend with the rain we have been receiving in the high mountains runoff has started. There is a lot of water up there and it all needs to come down. I would not expect to have ideal fishing conditions on the South Fork for awhile. All the tributaries are dumping in lots of muddy water into the river and there is a lot of debris breaking loose. When things start to slow down San Juan worms and rubberlegs will be the ticket.