It’s opening day and so far we have yet to hear if fishing is living up to predictions. One thing certain is that getting there with the current snowy weather could be problematic. So information on fishing could be on the scanty side.
Flow out of Palisades Dam is down to 11600 cfs. This will make for more wading opportunities and some good fishing in the river below. Nymph patterns with and without a bead as well as rubber leg and streamer patterns will produce. With this lower flow riffles could produce some afternoon BWO activity, and the top of these with shallow water will be best locations to try life cycle patterns. Consider that with this lowered flow the South Fork offers a relatively uncrowded alternative to the lower Henry’s Fork where the giant stonefly hatch attracts a crowd.
The big stoneflies are coming out on the lower river. But you can bet those big bugs are hunkering low today! Just getting to the river now could be a bit tough with this late season snow storm. But when the warm-up predicted in a few days kicks in, the top water fun will begin. For now, drive safely.
Flow out of Mackay Dam remains about constant at just under 250 cfs. This is a good flow for wading the river below, and it looks like some BWO weather will arrive in a few days. So the river here offers a chance to get away from the crowds getting ready for stone fly activity on the lower Henry’s Fork.
Few fly-fishing world happenings are anticipated as much as are the giant and golden stonefly emergences on regional rivers. With respect to the Henry’s Fork, nymphs of these species are moving toward banks along the lower river thus making patterns imitating these currently very effective (don’t overlook pitching a streamer). It will be a matter of several days before these bugs will be flying, but look for the first to appear in numbers significant to attract trout attention in the Ashton through Bear Gulch reach of the river. Soon to follow will be the same activity happening from the river below Ashton Dam. So if you intend to be at the fly tying bench, tying nymph and dry patterns for giant and golden stoneflies will be time well spent!
We will be a 2020 Yellowstone National Park fishing license vendor. Interruptions caused by dealing with the covid-19 virus has slowed the Park’s preparation and distribution of these licenses, but we expect having them with accompanying regulations soon. On arrival of these items, we will place notice of such here. The Park fishing season is scheduled to open this year on Saturday, May 23rd. However to date certain areas of the Park are currently closed including to fishing. If/when these areas open to fishing, we will post such on this web site.
For more information on Yellowstone Park’s upcoming happenings and plans, go to https://www.nps.gov/yel/index.htm.
Beginning at 10 AM today we will resume selling non-resident fishing licenses. This is because “Phase Two” of the Governor’s covid-19 recovery plan allows such actions. Also quarantine restrictions ( 14 days self isolation) for out of state visitors has been lifted through the Governor’s action.
All this is great news for fly-fishers anticipating trout responses to the upcoming sequence of insect hatches on east Idaho waters.
Flow out of Island Park Dam has been nearly cut in half and the boat launch just below is totally accessible. The drop in flow is reflected on downstream to the Fall River confluence at Chester Dam with flow a bit below normal.
A judge’s ruling has prevented an open pit gold mine from being constructed in the West Camas Creek drainage. The area drainage is considered to be cutthroat trout habitat, and the impact of open pit mining is of concern to ground water quality within that habitat.
If you are looking for a place to take a youngster fishing or if you just want to enjoy some small stream fishing, Birch Creek within the family fishing area above Lone Pine currently is likely the best candidate for doing so. The creek may be running a bit high but is likely clear, so presenting nymph or small woolly bugger patterns will bring responses.
Fall River currently is running somewhat high but clear. This means the Henry’s Fork below Chester Dam still hosts good fishing. The Island Park countryside is quickly becoming free of snow, and the Mesa Falls Highway is totally passable. Many side roads are not yet free of snow. The Henry’s Fork at Last Chance features midge and BWO activity, so presenting their life cycle patterns is quite effective.