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.
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.
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)!
Many anglers have questions about the impact of Covid-19 on non-resident fishing in Montana, especially with the general fishing season opening there in mid-May. To see current non-resident restrictions go to fwp.mt.gov/covid19. On this site select “Quarantine Directives for Out of State Travelers to Montana.” Open (and save, if desired) “Quarantine Directives.pdf” for details. These restrictions may change in the near future, so go to this site from time to time.
Eastern Idaho received a higher than normal amount of snow last winter. Now that our weather is warming significantly, run-off in large proportions is here. Examples include the Willow Creek and upper Blackfoot River drainages with both having some flood potential. The upper Blackfoot River drainage and Willow Creek tributaries do not open to fishing until July first, but their run-off situations provide what to expect on eastern Idaho streams draining high country and being open for catch and release fishing. Many of these streams are currently unreachable until roads are passable but can provide good fishing when run-off subsides. The best way to find when such roads open is to contact local National Forest ranger district and BLM offices.
Flow out of Palisades Dam has been steady at around 13800 cfs for about a week (Now 16200 cfs at Heise, 10900 cfs at Lorenzo). The river is flowing clear and cold for now. Big nymphs, rubber legs, and streamers with midge life cycle patterns in calmer waters being a good choices for success. Palisades Reservoir is about 70 % full making room for certain upcoming run-off thanks to our warming days.