Big Lost River 9-8-12
The river below Mackay Dam is in great wading shape now. Trico spinners and egg droppers are still providing AM action. Later it is on to terrestrial patterns and traditional attractors followed by caddis life cycle patterns.
September 2012
Henry’s Fork 9-8-12
Now that cooler weather is here mayfly hatches, though still significant, are not the only game in town. If you tend toward the river in Harriman State Park this time of year, a good strategy for presenting larger flies are long, drag free as possible, drifts. Present in this manner around bank side cover, sweepers (which are relatively rare here), rocky shorelines, and timbered shorelines. Terrestrial patterns are best for using this technique, and those, especially hopper patterns, tied with traditional materials seem most effective within these. Don’t expect to catch a huge number of fish using this strategy, but do expect to encounter some of the larger fish here.
Henry’s Lake 9-8-12
Fishing is picking up now. Creek mouths remain the place to go for action using mity mites, peacock leeches, crystal buggers and black coppers. But with cooler weather here and more to come, fishing all around the lake should pick up even more. Folks are concerned about the size of fish being caught, but the better news is that with so many fish in the lake there will be plenty for all anglers to enjoy.
Small Streams 9-8-12
It’s a tough time of year for fish in many of our smallest streams. We visited Jackknife Creek with 2-weight rods a few days ago, and became concerned with the low water we saw there. The creek has a large drainage, but like so many smaller streams the dry, warm summer has limited surface water throughout the drainage. We managed to catch some beautifully colored cutts, but only in deeper runs and holes having water flowing through. We originally intended to fish beaver ponds along the creek. But these hosted huge algae blooms, thus fish were absent because of lowered dissolved oxygen. Concerned that we would be stressing fish, we ended our fishing early. Such an experience can be expected now on many of our smaller streams at the end of this dry summer. Let’s hope for a good snow winter followed by a summer with more precipitation than this one to give trout populations better living conditions next year.
Today at Jimmy’s 9-7-12
Hey guys, nothing major going on in the shop today. We did get in some new 2013 Fly Fishing calendars with some awesome photography, so next time your in be sure to check those out.
On another note, our photo gallery is looking pretty dated. I am sure all you guys have been getting into some awesome fish this summer, but we haven’t received hardly any pictures to throw up on the site. So………….. as an added incentive we are going to have a little contest with the photo gallery! From Sept 7-14 send us your favorite fishing picture from this summer. We will pick a winner and they will receive two dozen flies! To be eligible for the contest, send your picture to [email protected] and title your message “photo gallery contest entry” be sure to include your name in the message as well. We are all looking forward to seeing some pictures so start sending them!
South Fork 9-7-12
The flow has dropped to 9000 cfs from 9600 earlier in the week. We will continue to see these drops throughout the Fall. We are starting to see good hatches of Mahogany duns and some blue wings and the cooler nighttime temperatures we are experiencing now will make these hatches better. The cooler nights are actually making the water cooler downriver at Lorenzo where the water is 59.5 F versus the temp below Palisades Dam which is 62.4F. Some years we have seen better hatches downstream due to the cooler water temps.
Fishing with Chernobyls should improve also with each water drop. Early Fall is also the time to start using streamers more.
Finally we received info from Idaho Dept of Fish and Game on the whitefish mortality. We’ve included their press release below.
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE
September 4, 2012
PARASITE IDENTIFIED AS LIKELY CAUSE OF RECENT WHITEFISH DEATHS IN UPPER SNAKE REGION
IDAHO FALLS – Recent sightings of dead mountain whitefish have been reported from across the Upper Snake Region, including the Henrys Fork, South Fork Snake River, Teton River and main Snake River as far south as Firth. Exactly why these fish are dying has been a mystery until now. Preliminary results obtained by IDFG’s Fish Health Laboratory in Eagle show that the parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (also called PKD or Proliferative Kidney Disease) may be behind the deaths. This rare parasite has not been documented in Idaho’s wild fish before, although it has been reported in both wild and hatchery trout and salmon in North America and in Europe. This may be the first time the parasite has been detected in any whitefish species. The life cycle of the parasite is not well understood, but involves a freshwater sponge as well as a fish. Transmission and disease signs are linked to elevated water temperatures, which have been common in area waters this summer. There are no known health risks to humans or other warm-blooded animals.
Although a likely cause of fish mortalities has been identified, new questions are arising as a result of this information. For instance, IDFG does not know the level of impact the current outbreak may have on mountain whitefish populations, or if the parasite will also affect other species, such as trout. Currently it appears only mountain whitefish have been affected. Also unknown is why only younger whitefish have been affected, if the kill occurs periodically, or if this is the first time an outbreak has occurred. Scientific literature indicates fish that survive an initial infection develop strong immunity to the parasite. Additional samples will be collected and analyzed to verify the preliminary test results, and to look for the presence of this parasite in trout. Structured sampling this fall will provide an insight into how extensive the kill has been on the South Fork Snake River.
For more information concerning this matter contact Upper Snake Regional Fisheries Manager Dan Garren at 208-525-7290 or at [email protected].
Today at Jimmys 9-5-12
With the “cooler” temperatures we have been having lately, a lot of guys have been coming in asking about when we are going to put our Steelhead flies out, well we did today! We have all the standby patterns in stock as well as a bunch of new stuff. The new stuff looks awesome, especially the skating dries.
Sticking with the Steelhead theme, we have another new jacket in the store from Simms called the fall run jacket. This will be a great insulator piece or a stand alone peace during nice fall days. Below is what Simms has to say about the new jacket.
“Fall migrations go in several directions. Upstream for giant browns en route to their natal dancing grounds. And virtually any points north, east, south, and west, depending on which direction you travel to intercept banner autumn fishing. Wherever you roam, throw on a Simms’ Fall Run Jacket for lightweight, packable performance in the form of PrimaLoft® One insulation. Jackets feature a winning warmth-to-weight ratio and the water repellency to take on wet conditions the world over.
- Lightweight, packable PrimaLoft® One insulation to keep you warm even in wet conditions
- PrimaLoft® One insulation offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio available and has superior water-repellency
- PrimaLoft® One fibers are highly compressible & soft – like goose down yet maintains insulating properties even when wet
- Hand warmer pockets and zippered chest pocket
- Classic diamond quilting pattern with reflective logos
- Corrosion-resistant YKK® zippers utilize nylon coil and slider”
The Jacket comes in Fury Orange, Khaki, and Dark Gunmetal. We have the Khaki in stock but could easily get any of the other colors in for you.
Come check out all the new gear to get ready for Steelhead Season!
Henry’s Lake 9-4-12
Not much change since our last report on Henry’s Lake. Fishing success is likely to pick up as we cool off, but that means visiting anglers will not diminish much. Being such a great fishery it’s to be expected!
Yellowstone Park 9-4-12
Word has it that Hebgen Lake browns are coming into the Madison River above. Now that it and other rivers in the drainage above are open, look for good fishing in the AM with trico spinners and egg layers followed by fishing with terrestrial patterns. The Gibbon River will likely be better fishing than the Firehole River until further cooling takes place. Tricos in the AM, terrestrial patterns later in the day and an increasing use of streamers is a good general strategy for fishing the Park this time of the season.
Henry’s Fork 9-4-12
If you venture to the Last Chance-Harriman State Park reach the fishing sequence is trico spinners and egg layers in the AM, flying ants later in the morning, terrestrials through the day to caddis in the evening. Not may anglers will be present, so you can pretty much choose your waters. Flow out of Island Park Dam has dropped considerably making for easier wading conditions in Box Canyon. Below Riverside campground go with terrestrial patterns along banks, and your favorite bead head nymph in deeper water. Streamers should be effective below Coffee Pot Rapids and the best choice if you fish above Mack’s Inn.