Henry’s Fork 7/17/12

There are enough flavs and PMDs left to interest fish and make a trip to the upper river worthwhile, but look for terrestrial insects to increase in importance as a food form for fish as we move to mid summer.  Want to get away from the crowds at the most popular spots on the upper river?   What we know as Henry’s Lake Outlet is really the Henry’s Fork, and as long as a good flow comes out of the lake, good-sized fish will remain there and make it worth the time spent trying for them. The flow out of Henry’s Lake is still over 100 cfs, but is sure to drop as summer progresses meaning the larger fish will eventually move downstream.  With the flow at the current level the Flat Ranch part of the Outlet, owned by the Nature Conservancy, is an attractive place to fish. It has a character different from downstream reaches, being a medium-sized meadow stream.  It hosts a good mayfly and caddisfly population. Terrestrial insects are important here, and because most of the larger fish originated in the lake, such as damselfly nymph and small leech patterns work very well.  Consider trying this part of the river particularly were willows provide overhead cover.  Stop at the Conservancy’s Visitor Center  just off Highway 20 to check in and observe fishing regulations. Who knows a cutthroat or cut-bow hybrid of the year could be waiting for you.