Since May 5th flow out of Palisades Dam has been stepped up from 14000 cfs to 15400 cfs. This 10% increase should not impact fishing especially because the river remains clear but cold. Palisades Reservoir is about 65% of capacity with a lot more run-off to come.
On looking at current IDF&G still water fish stocking schedules you will see none are given. Actually stocking is being performed, but in order to minimize crowding at well stocked waters because of our nasty covid-19 presence, IDF&G is not publishing such records. Rest assured that stocking is being performed. You can approximate where current stocking is taking place by looking at IDF&G’s historic records.
Springfield Reservoir has been spotty: up one day, down the next. Midge pupa patterns under an indicator are the best bet if a taking depth can be found. Small black or olive leech or damselfly nymph patterns can work. Hawkins Reservoir is also “off and on” with facilities and the dam face somewhat crowded. Chesterfield Reservoir has been slow fishing to date. No word yet on how Twenty-Four Mile Reservoir has been treating anglers. Daniels Reservoir remains the best still water bet in the area ( try midge pupa at the taking depth, dragonfly and damselfly nymph patterns), but look out for the WIND.
Fall River Basin run-off is just beginning, so look for Henry’s Fork flow below Chester Dam to increase in the upcoming days. Above the Fall River confluence Henry’s Fork flow is currently a bit above normal.
Some back country roads are opening up, while others have a way to go. The Bear Creek Road is open but needs to dry in order to minimize damage. The Big Elk Creek Road is open. However, both streams are high and discolored from run-off. The Cave Falls Road is not officially open, The Mesa Falls Scenic Loop (State Highway 47) has been plowed, but all forest roads from it remain snow covered.
As many of you know, our dad, Jim Gabettas, passed away April 12 after a brief illness. In these unusual times, we thought the best way to celebrate Dad’s life is through photos and memories of a quiet, yet remarkable life.
We are grateful to everyone who touched our father over the years—the countless friends, customers, shop employees and folks who dropped by to say “hello” and talk fishing in Dad’s office.
Jimmy, Chris and Jennifer
Flow out of Palisades Dam has been steady at about 14000 cfs for about a week with Palisades Reservoir at about two-thirds of capacity. Look for the country side to begin greening up, but no big changes in fishing conditions for now.
As we are rolling out a plan for re-opening the shop, we hope everyone takes into consideration the safety of not only yourself, but those around you.
Daniels Reservoir is offering good fishing. Before the wind comes up try midge pupa patterns under an indicator, but find the taking depth. Only a few rises likely means deeper water will be best. Do not overlook trying dragonfly and damselfly nymph patterns especially after the wind comes up. No problem with social distancing here, as folks are well spread out along the east bank. The road over from Hawkins Reservoir is in good shape with a few stretches of coarse gravel. Might be best to have tires in good condition because of these spots. Hawkins Reservoir has been a bit slow. Social distancing at the dam-boat launch area remains a bit chancy. Ice is off Twenty Four Mile and Chesterfield Reservoirs.
Want to see some serious water in a small stream? Right now Willow Creek above Ririe Reservoir is flowing nearly 1200 cfs because of run-off. That flow rate is higher than what currently is coming out of Island Park Dam (890 cfs)!