Fishing Reports

Henry’s Fork, September 14th, 2024

Below the Ora Bridge

The recent unsettled weather and that upcoming next week is just what is needed to bring on the fall mayfly emergence peak (BWO, mahogany dun) throughout the river. Some of these are mayflies are appearing up and down the river, but ants and hoppers remain the main reasons for great top water fishing. Upcoming cooler weather along with diminishing daylight hours will also break up aquatic vegetation making subsurface fly fishing, whether through “nymphing” or presenting streamers more widespread.

Henry’s Fork, September 7th, 2024

At Last Chance

Small nymph patterns work well in Box Canyon especially when such are under your favorite grass hopper pattern. During evenings, switch to streamer patterns where there is deeper water. Ant and hopper patterns cannot be beat for action in the Last Chance-Harriman portion of the the river especially during daytime hours. Water temperatures are no longer a concern thanks to cooler nights and shortening day time hours. A few mahogany duns are appearing with peak numbers yet to come. The lower river needs more cooling weather to offer its best fishing. That may begin soon as unsettled weather is expected later this week.

Henry’s Fork, September 4th, 2024

At about 550 cfs is coming out of Island Park Dam, so flow in the river below is about two-thirds of normal. That means the Last Chance-Harriman reach demands stealth, long leaders and fine tippets.  This finest of equipment makes it tough on fish played to possession then released no matter how cool the water.  The bigger the fish the tougher it is for them to recover from being caught and played when fine leaders and tippets are used. So take all the time needed to revive them.  Don’t forget those ant patterns!