South Fork, October 4th
No significant changes in either flow or fishing strategy since our last report. Some unsettled weather would certainly help the top water fishing by enhancing the BWO and mahogany dun hatches.
Fishing Reports
Henry’s Fork, October 4th, 2022
Brown trout are migrating to spawning areas throughout the river below lower Mesa Falls. In contrast to the brown trout runs in Yellowstone park waters, the Henry’s Fork run is attended primarily by local fly fishers. Thus with fewer anglers on the river, a better chance of solitude can be realized.
In addition, the lower river still offers good terrestrial insect hatches on sunny, warm days and BWO, mahogany dun, and caddis activity. So the river offers good fishing for the top water enthusiast as well as those preferring to try wet flies to encounter the migrating brown trout.
Yellowstone Park, October 4th, 2022
With exception of the Firehole River’s BWO and white miller activity above its falls, the brown trout spawning runs in the Madison and Snake River River drainages are the big attractions for fly fishers this month. So popular have these runs become that only the boat use restriction on park waters keeps them from rivaling, in terms of angler attendance, the famed green drake and large stone fly emergences on such as the Henry’s Fork and the Madison Rivers (June flood road damage will decrease the number of fly fishers attending the Gardner River brown trout run). Thus whether you plan to try the runs on the Madison River or on the Lewis and the Snake Rivers, be ready to accept that tolerance and courtesy will be required to have an enjoyable visit.
Big Lost River, October 1st, 2022
With flow out of Mackay Dam just below 200 cfs and likely to drop further, the river is a good option for a visit. BWO and midge activities will supply most of the action for feeding trout, so their life cycle patterns are good choices Don’t overlook trying a medium sized woolly bugger type or rubber leg pattern into deeper holes, and on warmer, sunny day try hopper and ant patterns still produce.
South Fork, October 1st, 2022
Flow throughout the river has been essentially constant for at least a week. Good weather for BWO and mahogany dun activity should continue through this weekend. During sunny, warmer days don’t overlook trying a grasshopper pattern with or without a dropper
South Fork, September 27th, 2022
No significant flow change in the river recently. Fishing seems to have slowed, but look for an increase in BWO and mahogany dun activity if the predicted unsettled weather happens in a few days. If that change happens, look for streamer fishing success to also improve. Enjoy the fall colors!
Yellowstone Park, September 27th, 2022
Fly fishing on the Firehole River above the falls is turning on with the cooling weather. White Miller, other caddis and BWO activities are bring fish up to feed. So bring life cycle patterns, including soft hackle versions, for these insects
Killing frosts will soon nip terrestrial insect populations on Fall River Basin meadow streams and others such as Slough and Duck Creeks. So consider a visit to these before cold weather sets in.
Otherwise, the big attraction to fly fishers are the brown trout migrations in the Madison and Snake River drainages. Presenting streamer patterns is the name of the game on these waters, and enthusiasts seeking a “fish of the year” will become numerous. So be prepared to share choice locations
Henry’s Lake, September 27th, 2022
Water is still quite warm for the time of the season, but unsettled weather later this week will help the cooling process which is needed to get trout to distribute around the lake. Creek mouths still offer some of the best fishing
Perhaps the best news concerning Henry’s Lake is the recent purchase of 634 acres of land platted for subdivision, including some along Howard Creek by the Beartooth Group and the Nature Conservancy. This action will prevent loss of some critical wildlife habitat, wildlife migration corridors, and alteration of Howard Creek an important cutthroat trout spawning tributary for Henry’s Lake. Details of this action can be viewed on The Nature Conservancy’s web site Idaho page.
Henry’s Fork, September 27th, 2022
Look for fishing to improve, especially because of BWO and mahogany dun activity later this week, as unsettled weather is in the forecast. Streamer fishing will be picking up almost everywhere along the river. Box Canyon, the lower river and the Tubs in particular, should be some of the best locations for trying streamers. Mid afternoons should offer the best fishing in response to terrestrial insect activity.
Headlines: from Dr. Rob Van Kirk’s Henry’s Fork drainage water status report from yesterday follow.
- Mean temperature was above average yet again yesterday; water-year precipitation is 92% of average and may end the water year there, given a good chance of showers later this week.
- Natural flow has dropped over the past day or two, while diversion has increased a little.
- Island Park Reservoir dropped by 35 ac-ft yesterday and is 45% full, compared with 46% on average. Current outflow is around 400 cfs and should stay there for the rest of the week.
- Water quality: Turbidity at Island Park Dam has been fluctuating 1-2 turbidity units on either side of average; turbidity is at or below average at all other locations.
Rob Van Kirk, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
P.O. Box 550
Ashton, ID 83420
208-881-3407 CELL
208-652-3568 FAX
Henry’s Fork, September 24th, 2022
The Box Canyon remains a good choice with streamer and rubber leg patterns being effective. Submerged weeds are breaking here and on downstream through the Harrriman Park reach. On warmer days, until a killing frost arrives, hopper, patterns with and without a dropper as well as those for beetles and ants are effective anywhere on the river. The best happening on the lower river is the cooling weather. Because of it, trout are responding there to BWO and mahogany dun activity in a better measure, with streamer patterns being effective during low light conditions.
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