Fishing Reports

Henry’s Fork 7-13-19

Lower river is definitely warming, so we suggest fishing in the early AM when spinner falls provide some action.  Presenting streamer patterns, especially during early in the day overcast conditions, can bring out some large trout.  Fishing the upper river is more consistent with continuing AM and PM spinner falls and afternoon caddis activity. Look for mayfly populations to begin diminishing from the spring-early summer peak and for bank side terrestrial insects to increase in number.  Depending on weather (mostly thundershowers and resultant winds ) some good fishing can be found in less crowded spots along the river such as the Coffeepot area, the Tubs area, and the Flat Ranch preserve.  Spinner falls, afternoon caddis, yellow sallies, diminishing PMD and golden stones and increasing terrestrial insects will provide interest from trout. From now through Labor Day expect to share the river in Box Canyon and the Big Springs-Mack’s Inn section with floating recreationists.

Henry’s Fork 7-9-19

On the upper river weather determines intensity and fly-fishing success during the PM brown drake emergence.  Try to use good weather evenings for best chances. Recreating boaters are coming to Box Canyon, and they have the same right to use the river as anglers.   Their numbers peak during mid-day, so to minimize interference consider early AM, or late afternoons for your visit here.  AM and PM spinner falls, afternoon caddis activity, PMD,and beginning-to-diminish flav activity give the best chances for success in the Last Chance-Harriman section.

PM caddis activity and the same spinner falls as on the upper river provide good fishing on the lower river.  Green and gray drakes provide action, but begin fading out there as the river warms.  Another bit of good news is that the South Fork stonefly hatch has transferred many boat away from this part of the river.  This week will see rising air temperatures on the lower river and therefore rising water temps.

Henry’s Fork 7-6-19

The river in Island Park offers great late afternoon fishing during  caddis activity. Brown drakes are beginning to show up making evening fishing quite interesting.  Double nymph rigs work well in Box Canyon.  AM & PM PMD spinner falls bring trout to the surface.  Green drake are decreasing, but flavs increasing.

All these insects plus gray drakes are available to fish on the lower river where crowds are thinning a bit because fishing on the South Fork is  taking off.

Be aware of the two construction zones  on Highway 20 impacting travel to the river and beyond. We have given details on how to avoid hold-ups on the highway climbing Ashton Hill if you intend to fish in Island Park (use the Mesa Falls Scenic Highway).  The other significant construction zone on the highway,  the re-surfacing of the Lorenzo Bridge across the lower South Fork, impacts travel to the lower and upper river. Here the highway is down to two lanes for about four miles and accommodating the increasing traffic can mean delays of up to twenty minutes until piled-up traffic dissolves. Certainly, try not to be on this part of the highway during  “rush hour ” times