Don’t fret: it’s coming soon!
The ice is still to thin for human access on the lake, but with cold, wind-free nights it is thickening and it should be safe enough in a matter of days. Most sources suggest that thickness near four inches is required for safe access. Bu icing over is not consistent across the lake as areas around springs and inlets thicken at a slower rate.
Headlines from Dr. Rob Van Kirk’s Henry’s Fork Drainage Water Status Report Filed Yesterday
Rob Van Kirk, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
P.O. Box 550
Ashton, ID 83420
208-881-3407 CELL
Of all our major rivers, the main stem Snake will remain the most accessible through the winter. Access to it above American Falls Reservoir will diminish because of shore ice and adjacent snow. Cross country skiing, snow shoeing and use of snow machines will be required to reach many locations for fishing. Below American Falls Reservoir, more and easier access will be present along the river.
General fishing regulations for many streams in IDF&G’s Upper Snake River and Southeast Idaho Regions will continue through the winter on such as the South Fork, main stem Snake River and the Henry’s Fork excepting the Harriman State Park reach. However, many streams will remain open through the winter for the designated ” Catch and Release ” season. Those subject to this regulation, with exceptions, are given in the 2022-2024 Seasons & Rules booklet. As, and if, information “trickles in” on these streams, we will post such here.
The outlet bay is iced over as well a other bays on the lake. Otherwise the ice is too thin on the main lake to support weight. Give it some more days to thicken to become safe for fishing.
The Saturday tying demo will begin at 1030 AM featuring Keegan Berrett.
I was born and raised fishing the waters of East Idaho where I learned to fish, row a boat and tie flies. I did this until I joined the Marines right out of high school. After serving, I moved back home and picked up where I left off, fishing and tying with Dad and his friends. My Dad, Elden, is a fly fisher, guide and fly tier of wide renown.
I love tying flies and love creating an effective and successful pattern even more. Small dry fries are my favorite tying and fishing, but streamers are a close second. Our long cold winters help drive this passion, just to keep our minds right. I have a wife who supports my addiction, and I have 2 beautiful daughters that keep me on my toes. My younger daughter enjoys tying with me and enjoys a day on the river catching fish.
Being a Marine veteran, I share a special brotherhood with other vets. I have been the Assistant Program Lead for the East Idaho chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing since it started. It is a special thing to introduce the serenity of fly tying and fly fishing with our disabled vets. Knowing the serenity that these activities brings to me drives my desire to pass this to someone that can use some peace of mind.
I have been guiding part time on the South Fork of the Snake and the Main Snake below the confluence with the Henry’s Fork. I am a signature tyer for Fulling Mill with several patterns available from them.
I will feature some of these during my Saturday, December 1st demo.
Almost overlooked by many fly fishers is the autumn run of brown trout out of Palisades Reservoir into Wyoming’s Salt River. Some of its hosted browns and those from the reservoir migrate into tributaries flowing from Idaho. Jackknife Creek, Stump Creek and particularly Crow Creek receive a portion of these brown trout, and both have flows enough for this migration to take place this year thanks to the big snowfalls of last winter. Jackknife Creek flows through National Forest land. Private land abounds on Crow and Stump Creeks, but a diplomatic approach can gain access from time to time.
This remains the most conveniently reaches stream in the area, whether above or below American Falls Reservoir. Above the reservoir water flow rates run about normal and midge activity provides the only top water fishing. Below the reservoir flow is minimal (currently about 250 cfs) at best making for easy access, but crowded conditions adjacent to the dam on downstream to the Monument access. Rainbow and particularly brown trout are active, so streamer fishing is the best strategy for action.
Irrigation reservoirs to the southeast are ice free for a while. However winter travel conditions may prevail on the roads going to them. This will make traveling to nearby still waters such as Springfield Reservoir and McTucker Ponds more attractive. The Sand Creek Ponds are also nearby, and remain open to fishing through November 30th. The above photo shows the character of the ponds during summer and early autumn. Within twenty miles north of St. Anthony, they are reached by a good gravel road, have primitive launching facilities and hold rainbow trout ranging to trophy size. Only midge hatches are taking place now making nymph and streamer patterns the best bets for action through using either floating or intermediate lines.
Headlines from Dr. Rob Van Kirk’s Henry’s Fork Drainage Water Status Report filed Yesterday,11/20
BWO activity is quickly diminishing on the entire river. It will return to significance sometime next March depending on weather and water conditions, Midge activity remains throughout the year, and under the right conditions can be almost massive at times. So we are entering the time when nymph and streamer patterns are most effective on the entire river.