Fishing Reports Archives - Page 212 of 231

Yellowstone Park 10-20-12

October 20, 2012

Brown trout migration is the major Park fishing attraction this time of year, and there are several choice for enjoying this event. My long-time favorites are the Beaver Meadows of the Madison River and the Lewis River above and below Lewis Lake. On both of these large streamers are the key, with some in bright and some in somber colors. Low light conditions are usually best in both places. Fish in the smaller Lewis River can be stressed more easily, so the best time to fish it is mainly from first light until mid morning when visiting anglers begin to accumulate. The number of brown trout migrating in this system is the largest in the Park. In the larger Beaver Meadows reach of the Madison River, I have had days where good luck lasts the entire day, so long as I fish deep. But do not restrict your visits to these locations. The run of Yellowstone River browns into the Gardner River and that of browns into the Snake River above the South Entrance, are now in progress. So are runs in Duck Creek, Grayling Creek and into the Gibbon River. So you don’t like pitching streamer patterns this tome of year? Try presenting BWO life cycle patterns during afternoon visits to the Firehole River.

Small Streams 10-20-12

October 20, 2012

Fishing Reports, Small Streams

Yesterday we fished the Blackfoot River at several locations below the dam. The flow out of the dam has been reduced to an amount that concentrates fish in the deeper runs, pockets, and holes. That means anywhere you can approach the river, look for the deepest parts and you will have your chances. Small streamers, no pattern in particular, seemed to work best for us, until a relatively sparse BWO emergence brought fish up in the water column water away from the deepest parts when mid afternoon water temperatures climbed to 45 deg. F. Then emerger and dun patterns, about #18, were a sure bet to attract trout. The experience I describe for yesterday is one that repeats itself in many streams this time of year. That is streamer and BWO life cycle patterns being effective. Try it anywhere on your favorite waters large or small.

Henry’s Fork 10-20-12

October 20, 2012

Fishing Reports, Henry's Fork

Some of the best fishing on the river is taking place from Vernon Bridge to below Ashton Dam where streamer patterns are attracting migrating brown trout. To enjoy this event be sure to have bright and somber patterns available. Other than this, do not be concerned so much with specific patterns. Be more concerned with presentation and timing. During daytime fish typically hold up in deeper runs and holes. They migrate mostly during low light, so you are most likely to encounter them during early light or sunset and twilight. Stormy conditions can also be a good time to encounter these fish. Looks like those conditions will be upon us during the coming week, so consider a visit to this part of the river then.

South Fork 10-19

October 19, 2012

Fishing Reports, South Fork

Flows have been reduced on the South Fork to 3,300 cfs. They are slowly shutting the water down. Honestly I am surprised it is still this high. I expected it to be around 2,000 cfs by now. Streamer fishing has been the ticket for hooking into a big fish. The Blue Wing Olive hatches have been sparse and almost non existence. I would fish a Parachute Adams and trail a BWO behind it. Fish this setup on the riffles, foam lines and tight to the banks. You will find fish that will eat off the surface. Nymphing is effective as well, but I would make sure you fish only 5 feet deep to help stay out of the moss. Rubberlegs and zebra midges this time of year seem to work the best. BWO redemption nymphs and our tungsten BWO nymph have been effective.

We have been getting a lot of calls about Twin Bridges. You can not launch or take out at Twin Bridges. If you have a pontoon boat this doesn’t really apply to you cause you can walk it down the channel. Drift boats and Jet boats are out of luck. The Lorenzo boat ramp continues to be a major pain. Be careful use your head and wait for your turn. You can no eddy up next to the Handicap ramp but there is only room for 2 boats at the most.

South Fork 10-15

October 15, 2012

Fishing Reports, South Fork

Flows on the South Fork have stayed steady for about a week now at 3,700 cfs. Streamer fishing has been effective even on the sunny days. Nymphing with rubberlegs and Zebra midges and Blue Wing Olives on the surface have also been effective. If you are floating the lower river be cautious of a couple tight spots with trees and fast water. One spot is above Heise bridge and you need to stop the boat and walk it around on the right side of the tree jam. The other two are between Twin Bridges and Lorenzo and require you to pay attention while on the oars.

Big Lost River 10-13-12

October 13, 2012

Big Lost River, Fishing Reports

With trico activity decreasing in the river below Mackay Dam, turn to BWO and midge life cycle patterns. Because of the canopy formed by cottonwood trees along much of the river here, one can expect good BWO activity even on brighter days. Flow out of the dam is a bit above the seasonal normal, but not enough to hinder wading.

Main Stem Snake River 10-13-12

October 13, 2012

Fishing Reports, Main Stem Snake River

The river offers the most convenient streamer fishing in the area. There are numerous access points within minutes of Roberts, Idaho Falls, Shelly, and Blackfoot, and flow is down to seasonal normals. Try low light conditions such as daybreak or twilight for the best chance to catch big browns on the move. Consider trying it during cloudy or stormy days. Have bright and somber patterns ready for your sink tip line.

Still Waters 10-13-12

October 13, 2012

Fishing Reports, Still Water

Both Chesterfield and Twenty-Four Mile reservoirs are producing action for those presenting midge pupa patterns under an indicator. It seems best to fish Twenty-Four Mile Reservoir from the shore, muddy or not. Some large fish are being taken from both reservoirs. Another still water to consider is Hawkins Reservoir where larger fish are being caught through using small leech and nymph patterns. Hawkins has been lucky enough to have hold-over water the last few years, so the result is a good number of large fish.

Henry’s Lake 10-13-12

October 13, 2012

Fishing Reports, Henry's Fork

Fishing success is still holding up. Expect the best locations, such as creek mouths and spring holes, to be crowded. So consider exploring the lake within safety limits.

Small Streams 10-13-12

October 13, 2012

Fishing Reports, Small Streams

Best bet now is to try the larger of these such as Teton, Fall, Blackfoot, Warm and Portneuf rivers and creeks such as Big Elk, Bitch, Crow, Robinson, Stump, and the sinks streams (Little Lost River, Birch, Medicine Lodge and Beaver-Camas creeks). Reason is that as water flow decreases and insect activity declines, fish in smaller tributaries will move to larger waters that offer more overhead cover and food. In the sinks streams fish will concentrate in deeper waters. Caddis, midge, BWO, and decreasing trico activity will bring fish up through the water column on all these, but the best bet for action is through streamers and small wooly bugger types.

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Fishing Reports

Yellowstone Park 10-20-12

Small Streams 10-20-12

Henry’s Fork 10-20-12

South Fork 10-19

South Fork 10-15

Big Lost River 10-13-12

Main Stem Snake River 10-13-12

Still Waters 10-13-12

Henry’s Lake 10-13-12

Small Streams 10-13-12

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