Fishing Reports

Henry’s Fork, June 10th, 2023

The giant stonefly hatch is heading up the river but at a pace slower than last year. If you own a soft- sided boat ( rubber raft, etc.) a good trip considering active fish and lack of crowds, put in at the lower Mesa Falls access and float down to the Stone Bridge access just below the Warm River confluence. It is a beautiful trip, just beware of little Surprise Falls about a third of the way down the trip. Afternoon caddis activity is going on good up and down the river.

Headlines From Dr. Rob Van Kirk’s Water data report filed June 6th for the Henry’s Fork Drainage.

• As expected, snowmelt was lower yesterday because of cooler temperatures and loss of remaining mid-elevation snow. Snow remains only at the highest elevations.
• Natural streamflow was roughly constant yesterday at 110% of average, as Fall River and Teton River respond to the last gasps of high-elevation snowmelt.
• Heavy precipitation in the forecast could temporarily increase streamflow again next week.
• At an average outflow of 843 cfs, Island Park Reservoir gained 281 ac-ft yesterday and is 99% full. Outflow will continue to be reduced gradually as inflow decreases.

Henry’s Fork, May 30th, 2023

The big stone flies are out along the river from Ashton Dam down to Chester backwaters, but the same with fly fishers, wading and boating. It is likely the big bugs are also out in lower Cardiac Canyon just above the Warm River confluence. If you are looking to get away from crowds, here are a few locations that will help do so.

Park at the old Bear Gulch Ski area and walk down the service road to the river. When you arrive at the river, walk upstream for the best fishing.

From Riverside Campground walk downstream on the marked trail. The trail is adjacent to the river going almost to the west side of Hatchery Ford. The last out take for boats before Cardiac Canyon is on the east side of the river at this point. This place can also be reached by taking the West Hatchery Ford road from U. S. Highway 20.

Headlines from Dr. Rob Van Kirk’s Snow-Water Equivalent Report Compiled Yesterday

• Temperatures were average over the holiday weekend, slowing snow melt a little; nonetheless, SWE is 36% of this year’s peak, compared with 44% of peak remaining on average.
• Natural streamflow has dropped over the past four days to 121% of average.
• At an average outflow of 1,349 cfs, Island Park Reservoir gained 122 ac-ft/day over the weekend and is 98% full, close to average for the date. Expect continued small outflow changes to manage fill.
• The upper Snake River reservoir system is 82% full, compared with 79% full on average.

Rob Van Kirk, Ph.D.

Senior Scientist

Henry’s Fork Foundation

P.O. Box 550

Ashton, ID 83420

208-881-3407 CELL