Although some midges and some BWOs are on the surface, presenting nymph patterns in the lower river above Chester seems the most productive approach lately. Streamers also bring responses from trout, especially under low light conditions. Look for Fall River, with flow at Yellowstone canal diversion more than double normal, to increase flows significantly and add discolor to the river below Chester.
Not much going on here. Many locations are still iced over or difficult to approach. Springfield Reservoir has been slow fishing lately. Some action can be had through presenting midge pupa under an indicator after finding the taking depth.
It’s a different year than the last few because of our winter with abundant snowfall in the high country. Not only is access difficult or impossible because of road conditions, and with warmer weather coming on, most streams are high and with discolor. For example, last year at this time the lower Blackfoot River was worth fishing with flow around 100 cfs at the Shelley gage. This year with roads mostly blocked and nearly 500 cfs at the same gage, it is time to go somewhere else.
With 18300 cfs coming out of Palisades Dam, the river is high enough to make most riffle fishing difficult. At Heise flow is about 17500 cfs meaning “more of the same” with respect to riffle fishing. Water is cold to be sure but relatively clear, so streamers and such as rubber legs presented deep can bring some interest from trout. Look for further increases in flow as room must be made in Palisades Reservoir (and Jackson Lake) for increased run-off as weather warms.
Run-off from farmlands is beginning to come into Fall River as well as from higher elevations. This means discolor in Fall River impacting the Henry’s Fork at Chester Dam and below. From there downstream presenting streamers and nymphs is the best way to attract fish. On the river above, the same strategy works (a great way to attract fish in Box Canyon), but include midge life cycle patterns. Give BWOs and march browns a bit more time before their activity become significant.
Winter still reigns on much of the lower river, and the best way to visit is walk-in and wade as opposed to boating. Nymphing with rubber legs and bead head nymph patterns will get you into action. When we have wind-free days fish will be on the surface taking midges, and a #18 griffiths gnat will do a good job of imitating the clusters trout look for.
Flow out of Palisades Dam was raised to 11900 cfs yesterday and to 13400 cfs today. Plans are to raise it again to 15000 cfs by this coming Friday. River below should stay clear or clear quickly, so streamer and nymph presentations are best bets for action. These flow levels make for better boating conditions.
Looks like it is time to begin offering fishing reports here and there. A good place to start is with the South Fork. Reports have the Snake River drainage snow pack above Palisades Reservoir exceeding 160% of normal. So water is being released from Palisades Dam because run-off this year will be major. Flow out of the dam was raised from around 2000 cfs to 3000 cfs on February 22nd. Yesterday flow out of the dam was doubled to 6000 cfs to provide space to catch run-off. This amount of flow will surely impact fishing success for some days to come.Flow out of American Falls Dam has been increased to 3000 cfs. Look for further flow increases through March as reservoir space up and down the river will be needed. These flow increases will also make the river dangerous. Thus for the upcoming weeks trying the lower Henry’s Fork (streamer or midge life cycle patterns) may be safer as well as result in better fishing success.
The Snake River Cutthroats, the TU and FFF affiliated club in Idaho Falls, is offering a winter slate of classes. See below.
Beginning Fly Tying begins Tuesday, January 17th at Idaho Falls high School and runs for six weeks. Classes are each Tuesday from 7-9PM. Basic techniques are taught with emphasis on local patterns. Materials are included in the cost of $30. Students (10 yrs and older) must bring a tying vise, scissors, bobbin and other useful tools. Some extra tools will be available at the class. Contact Jeff Armstrong at 208-522-7005.
Fly Rod Building starts with an informational/orientation class on Saturday, January 12th, 6:30-7:30 at All Seasons Angler. Here instructors will help students determine which size rod blank and components to purchase for the class. On Saturday, January 28th rod building class will be held from 10 AM to 5:30 PM at the Idaho Falls Public Library. Cost is $30 and is for novice and expert. A rod can be built for half of retail cost. Contact Wade Allen; 208-390-3130.
Our Saturday fly tying demo schedule, beginning on November 26th, 2016 and running through February, 2017 is posted on this web site. Take a look to see featured fly tiers and details of this free and totally enjoyable event.
The Snake River Cutthroats, the TU and FFF affiliated club in Idaho Falls, is offering a winter slate of classes. See below.
Beginning Fly Tying begins Tuesday, January 17th at Idaho Falls High School and runs for six weeks. Classes are each Tuesday from 7-9PM. Basic techniques are taught with emphasis on local patterns. Materials are included in the cost of $30. Students (10 yrs and older) must bring a tying vise, scissors, bobbin and other useful tools. Some extra tools will be available at the class. Contact Jeff Armstrong at 208-522-7005.
Fly Rod Building starts with an informational/orientation class on Saturday, January 12th, 6:30-7:30 at All Seasons Angler. Here instructors will help students determine which size rod blank and components to purchase for the class. On Saturday, January 28th rod building class will be held from 10 AM to 5:30 PM at the Idaho Falls Public Library. Cost is $30 and is for novice and expert. A rod can be built for half of retail cost. Contact Wade Allen; 208-390-3130.