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November 2012

Fly Fish Food Jimmy's / 2012 / November

Today at Jimmy’s 11-28

November 28, 2012
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Today at Jimmy's

Next to chasing pheasants in the fall I really enjoy fishing for steelhead. I did a quick run up to Salmon Saturday to see if we could find some fish. I left early that morning and got up to Salmon and found a run down river of North Fork. We hooked 4 fish and landed 3 in that run. We fished 4 other runs that day and fished till dark, but didn’t find any more fish. The hot fly was the Blue and Green Hobo spey fished with a RIO 10′ T-11 Mow Tip.

I had 2 pieces of equipment that helped make this day so much better. I have been using the Patagonia Aluminum Bar Wading boots. I have spoken of these boots in the past, but they are so good and honestly I don’t prefer anything else on my feet in a slick river like the Salmon. The second piece was my Patagonia Nano Jacket. This jacket is so warm, packable and makes the perfect layering piece under your wading jacket.

 

This is pretty late in the season for me to still be steelhead fishing. However the weather has held up and the water temps have yet to plummet below 40 degrees yet. There is something really cool about catching a steelhead in Idaho. However this time of year it’s so easy to just stay at home and think about catching fish. I have found when I do go out it’s always a good time and I find I am rewarded with a few fish and solitude on the river.

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Today at Jimmy’s

November 27, 2012
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Today at Jimmy's

We at Jimmy’s have accumulated a fly-fishing experience unequaled in this part of the Greater Yellowstone Region. Yes, we target the most visited waters here, then in our fishing reports offer top grade information for having success fishing these.  In addition, we continuously visit and fish quality but lesser known regional waters throughout the season. Many of these waters, still or moving, are “off the beaten path.”  Others are on the beaten path but overlooked  because of proximity to most visited waters or offer good winter fishing.   Through this “visit as many as possible” approach we can provide solid information for planning your next trip in the region.  This approach also helps reveal the nearly endless choice of quality waters available in the region to visiting and local fly-fishers.  Thus a few times a month this winter we will offer web site articles featuring lesser known bodies of water offering a good measure of solitude, wildlife viewing, and scenic beauty in addition to great fishing.  Look for information within on best time to visit, suitable fly patterns, tackle choice, and directions.  And do not hesitate to contact us if you want more information on any water we discuss.

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Main Stem Snake River 11-20-12

November 20, 2012
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Fishing Reports, Main Stem Snake River

With flow slightly below normal, the river is in great shape for presenting streamers for migrating brown trout.  Sunset is earlier this time of year, and there are many convenient locations to wade the river.  So fishing the river is convenient.  If you feel you ate too much during that “Turkey Day Feast'” consider working some of it off wading the river before dark trying for a big brown.  If you want to improve your appetite for that feast, consider wading and casting beforehand.  Either way, getting out this time of year is a gift if weather is reasonably nice.   Happy Thanksgiving!

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Today at Jimmy’s

November 20, 2012
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Today at Jimmy's

Jeff King (206-3713) reports finding on the South Fork several miles above Heise the bottom section, with left handed reel attached, of a 91/2, foot, 5 piece, 5-weight fly rod.  Marking on the rod is “Fly Shop.”  Contact Jeff if you are wondering where the rest of your fly rod is.

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Still Waters 11-20-12

November 20, 2012
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Fishing Reports, Still Water

We have had several inquiries about fishing Chesterfield Reservoir.  From what we have heard fishing there is very good.  But because 60,000 hatchery ‘bows (enough to make smaller waters look like the contents of a sardine can!)  have been planted this fall, you will have to get through these to get to the big holdover fish.  Try your favorite patterns; all seem to work. Using midge pupa patterns expect to encounter more of the planted fish. Big leeches, scuds, & streamers give you a chance for holdovers bulking up for the winter.  Although water level is low, the reservoir is slowly filling which is good news for next year’s season.  Springfield Reservoir also has been stocked, but not with 60,000.  These fish will also take anything but not offer the best of fights.  As in Chesterfield, they will become stronger through the coming months.  Another good one to try is Daniels Reservoir.  Use same strategy as on Chesterfield, and expect that the larger wooly bugger types and streamers give a better chance at hold over fish.

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South Fork Winter Fishing Report

November 20, 2012
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South Fork

Flows on the South Fork are now at the bottom floor for the remainder of the winter at 900 cfs. Techniques and fishing conditions do not really change on the river for the winter time so this is a fishing report for the winter season. However we will update periodically when the conditions require an update, you just will not see regular updates like you do during the other parts of the year. As always feel free to call the shop for questions regarding fishing.

Nymphing will be your best tactic for catching fish. Rubberlegs in a size 8 or 10, Small pheasant tails, zebra midges and lighting bugs are great for droppers below the rubberleg. Midges will hatch and fish will begin to feed on the surface on the warmer days. A full sinking line with a streamer is also a good technique in the slow deep pools on the river. Choosing your day is key for winter fishing. Look for warmer days and fish during the warmest part of the day. As always safety is pretty important during the winter. Always bring an extra pair of clothes and be careful. Small incidents turn into big mistakes and can become serious very quickly during the winter.

Drift boat fishing is not necessary this time of year. The boat ramps are not maintained for snow removal and the river is so low that it takes all day to float a short 3-4 mile stretch. We recommend wade fishing in the winter. The fish tend to congregate in deep holes and don’t hold on the banks like they do in the summer. So feel free to leave the boat at home and focus on finding a good hole and fishing it hard during the prime time of the day.

If you have any questions feel free to call the shop.

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Today at Jimmy’s 11-17-12

November 17, 2012
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Today at Jimmy's

This morning we start the first of our Saturday fly tying demonstrations. We have Spencer Higa and Grant Bench from Falcon’s Ledge Lodge in Utah and they will tie from 10 am to 1pm. The tying demos will continue every Saturday through March. We saw Spencer and Grant tie at the East Idaho tying Expo the past couple of years and wanted to get them up here for a Demo. Drop by if you get a chance.

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South Fork 11-9

November 9, 2012
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Fishing Reports, South Fork

The South Fork flow out of Palisades Dam was dropped to 900 cfs this morning. Personally I was not expecting it to go this low.  I talked to Mike Beus at the Bureau of Reclamation and he informed me that flows will not change or go below this level for the entire winter. Fishing tactics have not changed and you should expect to see good Blue Wing Olive hatches this weekend with the cloudy weather.

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Today at Jimmy’s 11-7

November 7, 2012
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Today at Jimmy's

Lamson has revised the Konic reel and we now have them in stock. This is a great reel for the price. I would say this is the best value for your dollar in terms of trout reels. It is a die cast reel instead of machined, which cuts down on the cost. However it is packed with the same drag system as Lamsons high end reels. This reel comes in at $149 for a size 2 which is for 5 and 6wt rods. Come in the shop and check it out, you will not be disappointed.

 

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South Fork 11-7

November 7, 2012
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Fishing Reports, South Fork

Flows have been reduced to 1,100 cfs. I don’t know if they will be dropped again. We will let you all know if that happens. I personally don’t think it will because the inflow is now great than the outflow and the resevior is begining to slowly fill. Floating is still an option at these flows but it will take you a long time to float traditional stretches you are used to in the summer time. We recommend smaller shorter floats, like Wolf to Byington, Irwin to Spring Creek, Spring Creek to Conant, Dam to Huskies and Lorenzo to Menan. However now that the flows have dropped this much wade fishing is also very accessible throughout the entire river.

Blue Wing Olives and midges have been hatching. The BWO fishing is much better on the cloudy days. Streamers have began to slow down a little but has still been effective. Again the cloudy days will produce more active fish on streamers. Nymphing is always a good option for catching fish right now. The moss is still present on the bottom of the river and nymphing can become frustrating cleaning all the moss off your flies. If you do nymph I would only drop my flies 4 feet from my indicator. Rubberlegs and Zebra midges have been my choice for nymphs. Copper Johns, blue wing olive nymphs and pheasant tails.

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