Author: Bruce_Staples

Small Streams, August 5th, 2023

In Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area

Are you looking for some solitude, great scenery and relief from the crowds and boats on our larger streams? Consider the river in the Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area. The river here is a classic meadow stream hosting Yellowstone cutthroat trout, ranging to over twenty inches, with a few brookies coming in from above. The IDF&G has recently improved habitat here by placing log and snag jams along banks to improve overhead cover and help remove some silt from underneath. The result is an apparent increase in trout population. This time of the season terrestrial insects are the major trout food with some PM caddis activity ongoing along the river. Hoppers are particularly abundant. A small number of PMDs and speckled duns are present. The river here is a slightly smaller version of such as Bechler River and Slough Creek in their meadow sections making a stealthy approach and long, drag free floats necessary. Five and six weight systems are appropriate, and floating lines are best as weed growth thickens as summer advances. Wading gear is not required, but lightweight rain gear and sunlight protection should be possessed. Regulations include barbless hooks and no bait. Bring a camera!

Small Streams, August 2nd, 2023

Grey’s River at Murphy Creek Bridge

Most of our small streams are currently in great fishing shape. One of these, being special in our area, is in prime condition right now. That stream is Grey’s River. It dumps into the Snake River just above the US highway 26-89 bridge on approaching Alpine, Wyoming from the west. One thing that places it above all other western Wyoming rivers with respect to access is that it flows mostly through public land

( Bridger-Teton National Forest). Its neighbors, Hoback and Salt Rivers are much paralleled by major highways and mostly locked up on banks and stream beds through Wyoming’s private property laws. Other than the Box Y Hunting Lodge-Renegade Ranch property, the Grey’s is about totally approachable. Another great situation on the Grey’s is that above the Murphy Creek Bridge, no bait fishing is allowed and boating is pretty much limited. So fishing visits diminish rapidly there. Below the bridge recreational boating, kayaks in particular, abound and empty bait cans and strips of discarded spinning line are common. The forest road following the river, “washboardy” in places, is well enough maintained that the State of Utah is well represented. Natural beauty of the surrounding countryside makes bringing a camera almost a must. Summertime thundershowers are abundant and can cloud portions of its flows. Wyoming fishing licenses can be purchased in Alpine.

Being mostly an upland river of abundant riffle and run character, the Grey’s hosts mainly caddis and stone fly populations. PMDs and a few other mayfly species occupy quieter waters, but now terrestrial insect are major food items for resident Snake River fine spotted cutthroat trout, the only trout present excepting some brown trout in lower sections. Five and six weight tackle and moderately sized tippets (3X-4X) are appropriate for playing hooked trout which range up to trophy size. Put the Grey’s River on your “must visit” list. When you visit, you will not be disappointed.