Flow out of Palisades Dam stays around 124400-12500 cfs making for consistent conditions including water temp. , currently about 64 deg. F. That means fishing conditions have not changed much since our last report. So for the time being continue to pitch chernobyl types, hopper patterns, and super renegades toward banks for good results. Expect spotty riffle fishing until flow out of Palisades Dam drops significantly.
Tricos are beginning to show in good numbers on many waters making for early AM action. But presenting terrestrial patterns during daytime remains the best way to get action. Days with cumulus build-up will offer best chances. So will fishing around overhead cover and near well vegetated banks.
Big Elk Creek is now well worth a visit. Fish take terrestrial patterns around early afternoon. Many “go to sleep” until flavs emerge in late afternoon when water temps get to around mid 50s in degrees F. Then all become active to make for great top water fishing. Last Wednesday kokanee were about a mile up the creek. Now they are much further. They don’t bother the cutts from feeding, but they do bring all kinds of anglers. If you witness kokanee snaggers, make an identity effort (vehicle registration works) then contact IDG&F. IDF&G has plainclothes officers patrolling the creek, but they can use help in stopping this illegal activity.
We traveled by Henry’s Lake yesterday, and sure enough we could see boats stacked up in front of Hope and Duck creeks. Off in the distance we thought we could see boats in front of Targhee Creek. So that pretty much tells the story of where to fish the lake (try small prince nymphs, mity mites, small crystal buggers.) In front of the cliffs, you ask? Only one boat was there when we went by.
Keep watching the Henry’s Fork Foundation web site for developments and discussions on coffer dam situation at the Ashton Dam. As Everet mention in his 8/16 “Today at Jimmy’s” report, we have Mike Lawson’s new book ” Fly-Fishing Guide to the Henry’s Fork” in stock. This book has all of Mike’s angling knowledge on each part of this great river. No one knows the river in its entirety as well as Mike. This book proves it and sharing it demonstrates Mike’s generosity. Mike offers that for several reasons August is his favorite month to fish the Harriman State Park reach of the Henry’s Fork. That is right now, and the best source for strategy to do so is in his new book. Come in and pick up a copy now, or get in touch to have us put one aside for your next visit.
Fastest still water fishing in the Park is, you guessed it, Beula Lake. Riddle Lake is not far behind. Both can be fished from shore, but getting out in a float tube results in best fishing. Beula is a longer walk at 2.75 miles, whereas Riddle is just under two miles over easier terrain. No complicated flies or strategy are needed for both these small lakes well populated with Yellowstone cutts. Your favorite bead head nymphs, small leech patterns, speckled dun life cycle, and damselfly life cycle patterns will produce.
Robinson Creek is fishing well. The canyon location and inflow from springs keep it in good shape this time of year. Best location is off the road connecting Fish Creek Road and the Cave Falls Road. It’s a bit steep but, walk down to the creek just north of the crossing. If it is too steep, try the creek upstream past the LDS church girl’s camp off the Cave Falls Road. Take terrestrial patterns, traditional attractors, and caddis for the evening. With four kinds of trout present, you never know for sure what you will encounter in Robinson Creek.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is about 380 cfs, just where it should be this time of season. Tricos are beginning to make for good AM fishing in the river below. Try terrestrial patterns during daytime and try your luck during evening caddis swarms.
Mackay Reservoir is the star of the show here. Draw-down has slowed, so the reservoir remains quite cool. Try the upper end near incoming river channels. Present bead head nymphs and midge pupa under an indicator.
Water seepage under the coffer dam is slowing construction on the Ashton Dam. Let’s hope that seepage does not alter water management plans during the project or impact completion target. Keep in touch with the Henry’s Fork Foundation web site for the impact, proposals, and responses to this problem. The lower river above and below the dam remains tough during daytime which is usual for this time of year. Streamers presented in the evening and early morning brings best chance for meeting a big fish. Streamers and spinner falls in the evening and morning along with evening caddis swarms make for best fishing on much of the upper river. Terrestrial patterns presented close to the banks just about anywhere can work during daytime but are sure to be more effective with cumulus buildup. Those big fish moving out of the Outlet reach are in the river from The Tubs to Island Park Reservoir. Expect recreational boaters down to Mack’s Inn during daytime, so evenings or early AM with streamer patterns may be the best times for fishing. Want to read some interesting Henry’s Fork commentary? Go to Henry’s Fork Anglers web site and take a look at Mike Lawson’s August 9th Henry’s Fork fishing reports. Mike offers valuable strategy gems for fishing the river this time of year, but also gives some thoughts on the crowds that frequent the river at certain times.