With flows out of Palisades Dam remaining just above 16000 cfs and increasing to 18000 cfs at Heise, we cannot say fishing is great here. Some action from streamers is possible on side channels above the Swan Valley bridge, but not much else. Be sure to wade safely during these high water times which could remain until enough room is made in Palisades Reservoir to hold expected runoff. We will watch flows closely and report here any changes which improve fishing conditions.
General fishing season opens Saturday, May 16th. Hebgen Lake remains frozen solid with snow on the ice.
The Madison between Hebgen and Quake lakes is open to fishing year round. Right now it is fishing well from Hebgen Dam to Cabin Creek with a bit above normal water flow. Nymphs on the bottom are bringing action. Cabin Creek is putting in run-off that discolors the river down to Quake Lake slowing fishing there. The River between McAtee and Ennis bridges is open to fishing with nymphs, BWO & caddis life cycle patterns, San Juan worm types and midge emergers producing.
The Beaverhead River is open to fishing below Pipe Organ Bridge with flows about two-thirds of normal. Some Mother’s Day caddis activity remains, and presenting nymphs and streamers along the bottom produces. During overcast or low light conditions look for afternoon activity from BWOs.
Flow out of Palisades Dam is around 16000 cfs and has been stable at 16000-17000 cfs for about a week. Water below the dam through Swan Valley is clear, high, and somewhat fishable. Concentrate on the side channels and use streamers and nymphs on sink tip lines. We cannot recommend fishing the river below Swan Valley as it is discolored with floating debris as well as dangerous. There will be better days on the South Fork, and as soon as they come around we will give you our best and up to date info on how to have fishing success there.
Flow in the lower river has been stable the last few days, and is likely to remain so with the upcoming cool weather. Fishing success has been a bit spotty, especially below Chester Dam and the Fall River confluence. Recently BWOs and caddis are the main emerging insects. Streamers are always a good bet in the early eason, especially if one concentrates on presenting them near stream edges out of direct light. This means evenings, early mornings, and other low light conditions are the best times for action.
Ice is off Palisades Reservoir and water levels are low. There are plenty of locations where one can walk the shoreline to present streamers and wooly buggers. Sink-tip and full sink lines will work for getting these to cruising fish.
Springfield Reservoir has been good fishing, Except when fish have been feeding during a blanket midge emergence. Mornings and evenings are best, and red zebra midges are a taking pattern.
Chesterfield, Daniels, Devil Creek, and Hawkins are now all ice free, but we have little info on how well they are fishing. You can help by giving them a try and letting us know of your experience!
Want to find some fly-fishing action without concerns on how big the fish are? Birch Creek is the answer for you. The Birch Creek family area open year round above Lone Pine is in great shape with clear water just slightly high with snow gone from the surroundings. On ovecast days with breezy or less conditions, the BWOs emerge in the afternoon making for action galore. Rainbows & brookies are the fare, and a fourteen incher is a bragging fish. But there is a great degree of solitude, wild fish, and safe wading conditions requiring only hip boots. If the BWO’s are not active, small bead head nymphs presented with a “Leisenring Lift” at the end of the drift is sure to bring a respose. Bring that light weight rod with a floating line.
Springfield Reservoir has turned over, and fishing success is picking up again. Midge life cycle patterns early and late in the day are the best bets for success. Experiment with depth of pupa patterns below your indicator to find taking depth. Fish shallows and drop offs around springs and the main channel. Small leech, scud and soft hackled streamers work well when presented with a very slow retrieve.
BWOs are emerging from Warm River Confluence on downstream. Best action is during PMs of overcast days and during gentle rains. Midge and skwala emergences are also going on, and a few March browns are showing up. Streamers are always a good bet for larger fish, especially during low light conditions and along streamsides not in direct light. No Fall River run-off yet, so fishing below Chester Dam is a great option as is from the Vernon Bridge to Chester and from Warm River to Ashton. Get in touch for current info as we are picking up experiences from several fly-fishers that are visiting the river in these reaches.
Ramping up of flows out of Palisades Dam continues to make room for run-off expected because of our great March and early April snowfall. Expect flows there to reach 10000 cfs by mid-April and 14000-17000 cfs by the first of May. This puts the “kibosh” on top water fishing here. But streamers and large nymphs presented on fast sinking sink tip lines will bring the best chances for success. Remember that what happens on the South Fork impacts the mainstem Snake River below. If you want a better chance for top water fishing, see our Henry’s Fork report.
Fishing is going great guns on Daniels, Chesterfield, and Springfield reservoirs. When mud remains frozen, Twenty-Four Mile can be fished. Leech patterns in fall colors, small soft hackled streamers and midge pupa patterns under indicators are all taking fish. None of these have iced over to date, but when we hear that this has happened, we will post that info here.