Flow out of Palisades Dam was dropped to 6770 cfs early this AM. That means more walk-in wade opportunities. Come in and talk to us about best locations to try. BWOs are going strongest during cloudy PMs and are accompanied by mahoganys. If you try the river during low light conditions such as those BWOs favor for emerging, consider that browns will begin moving big time as we cool off. That means streamer patterns should be in your fly box anywhere on the river.
Fly-Fishing the north shore has definitely slowed (voice of experience) even though fish are in shallow water. Likely this is the same around the lake. One reason is warm water for the time of year. We measured water temperature at middle 50s in Deg. F. yesterday. For sure cooler water will improve fishing success.
It’s the time of year when certain small streams become difficult to fish with success. This is because (amongst other things) through dropping to base level water and cooling off, they lose overhead cover and foodforms become less available. When better conditions are available, residents of these streams will move to more hospitable waters. Local examples include such as the Warm River drainage tribs including Robinson, Rock, and Wyoming Creeks, and some of the Teton Basin tribs to the river. Other small streams maintain good living conditions for salmonids year round. Fall,Teton, and Warm Rivers are examples. So are such as Big Elk and Bitch Creeks. There are a lot more small streams around here that you can enjoy until the roads close or the snow flies. Come in and talk to us. We can suggest candidates.
Flow out Palisades Dam has been about stable for several days at around 7400 cfs. This is about 3000 cfs higher than normal for the present, but low enough to offer some wading. Flow will soon come down as Palisades Reservoir is just under 30% of capacity with storage season just around the corner. With uncertain weather continuing, look for good BWO activity and trout responses and the same for mahogany duns. Although Henry’s Fork browns are on the move in the lower river, it is early for the same to be significant in the colder South Fork, but having streamer patterns in that fly box is a good idea.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is at 200 cfs, an amount that makes wading practical. Flows out of the dam will likely go lower as storage takes over in the reservoir. Tricos are diminishing, but BWOs are coming on, and there always is plenty of midges for fish to key on.
BWOs are bringing action from fish in the Last Chance-Harriman area and a few mahogany duns are around. Terrestrial insects and caddisflies are on the decline. Stonefly nymph patterns seem to work well in Box Canyon, especially during overcast and low light conditions. Browns are moving on the lower river meaning it is time to break out streamer patterns to be presented under low light conditions.Just above Ashton reservoir is a good place to try, but so are below Ashton Dam and Chester Dam. The uncertain weather predicted for the next several days also means good BWO activity, so don’t choose between their life cycle patterns and streamers. Take both!
It looks like the lake is making up for the slow summer! Fishing is great all over the lake. With the lake at about 85% of capacity, water is low but cooling off with the weather. With uncertain weather predicted for the next several days,now might be the time to consider a visit. Use that intermediate line to present the standard array of Henry’s Lake patterns. Also trying a two-fly rig consisting of a small leech pattern and an attractor such a gold crystal. Word that fishing is improving has gotten out, so expect crowds at the easy access place such as the state park and county boat dock. And if you are lucky enough to find a spot with excellent fishing,expect to see fellow anglers congregate around you.
The good BWO and mahogany dun hatches continue making for good fishing. Having a stable river sure helps. But because the reservoir is at 33% capacity and dropping, expect flow reductions coming in the near future. When they happen, we will post such information here, because these will impact fishing.
We have not said much recently here, so let’s get caught up a bit. Water is very low at Chesterfield Reservoir, but fish are hitting leech and damselfly nymph patterns. It’s easier to launch flotation devices than boats there. Daniels Reservoir is offering good fishing with the same patterns because water is in good shape thanks to the conservation pool. Springfield Reservoir offers good fishing for those folks concentrating on the “donut holes,” that is the spring holes between the weed beds. Try scud, damselfly nymph, damselfly adult, and midge life cycle patterns. Sand Creek Ponds still fishes well for those presenting speckled dun life cycle patterns. Try a soft hackled patterns (ie, partridge & orange) in size 14 or 12 with a slow retrieve, just under the surface and close to rising fish. Evenings and late afternoons seem best. Forget about the Harriman Fish Pond until next year or later. Looks like the holdovers will be few & far between.
Flow out of Henry’s Lake into Henry’s Lake Outlet has been reduced to 53 cfs. That means fishing is pretty much over there for the year. Larger fish will move down to the Henry’s Fork.