Copies of the newly released book “Fly Fishing West Yellowstone: A History and Guide” signed by the authors are available at Jimmy’s. The book documents how West Yellowstone, Montana became the prime trout fishing destination in the USA.
It is time for terrestrial insect patterns almost anywhere you fish the river. As well as hopper patterns, include ant patterns, honey, red, and black in that fly box especially if you try the river in Island Park..
Here are excepts from Rob Van Kirk’s latest (today) analysis of the Henry’s Fork drainage water status.
Headlines:
Details:
Mean temperature yesterday was 4 degrees F below average, and no precipitation was recorded. The water-year total stands at 78% of average. Dry weather is expected to continue for the rest of the week, but forecasts continue to include a small chance of precipitation for next week.
Natural streamflow is decreasing very slowly on Fall River and Teton River but staying relatively constant in the upper Henry’s Fork, at least relative to a few flow drops at Ashton Dam over the past few days that confound the calculations. Natural flow was 75% of average again yesterday, about where it has been for the past few days. Natural flow is still a little higher than it was prior to the recent wetter weather that began two weeks ago today.
Diversion continues to increase very slowly, primarily on the Teton River. As a result, delivery through the Crosscut Canal was increased by around 15 cfs yesterday evening and another 10 cfs this morning. The supply-demand graph shows that my “600-cfs rule” continues to perform well. Natural flow minus diversion increased to around +600 cfs late last week (natural flow was 600 cfs greater than diversion), indicating little or no need for draft of Island Park Reservoir. Indeed, the reservoir actually stayed constant for a few days during that time. As we move farther away from last week’s wet weather, natural flow will continue to decrease, and diversion will continue to increase. However, stream flow in the lower Henry’s Fork remains well above the irrigation-season target today, which will absorb the increasing difference between natural flow and diversion without immediate need for additional outflow increases at Island Park Reservoir.
At an outflow of 740 cfs, Island Park Reservoir dropped by 594 ac-ft yesterday and is 46% full, compared with 62% full on average and 28% full in 2016. Together, the three reservoirs in the watershed are 65% full, compared with 74% on average and 55% full in 2016.
Outflow from the reservoir is being split between the dam gates and the power plant, resulting in lower turbidity than we saw last week, when all outflow was passing through the gates.
Rob Van Kirk, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
P.O. Box 550
Ashton, ID 83420
208-652-3567 OFFICE
208-881-3407 CELL
The Park’s version of Montana’s hoot owl restrictions remain in effect. See the Park’s web site for particulars.
Whether you fish the upper or lower river, hopper patterns are now the ” bread and butter.” Spinner patterns come in next with PM caddis fly patterns following. So wherever you fish, consider that the higher the water temperatures, the tougher it is on fish to be caught, fought, then be released. Consider using heavier leaders, barbless hooks, keeping fish in the water for “hero” shots and keeping their heads pointed upstream until they appear to recover on their own. Considering the pleasure we gain from encountering them, we owe them as much gentleness as possible during these days of stressful conditions.
With Palisades Reservoir a bit more than half full (54%) and no real knowledge of what kind of winter is coming up, flow has been scaled back in the river below Palisades Dam ( now about 14600 cfs at Irwin, 14900 cfs at Heise,10400 cfs at Lorenzo). More reductions will come as we move away from the irrigation season. These actions have no big impact on fishing, but a few strategy changes may help success. For example, spend more time fishing seams,.ie. where channels converge or just below islands. Use such as rubber leg, super renegade or super-X patterns at these places. For sure mayflies are active and will offer good fishing for weeks to come. Terrestrial insect populations are near their peaks and trout know it. So good things are happening on the river.
Our recent rains have helped bring a number of our small streams up to being more hospitable for resident trout. This could be temporary depending on upcoming weather, so let’s keep hoping for more rain!
Good News from The Nature Conservancy
Greetings from Silver Creek.
We are excited to announce that effective August 11, access to fishing will be allowed daily from 9am – sunset at the Silver Creek Preserve. Morning access closures will remain in place.
Due to sustained improvements in stream conditions at the Preserve, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is reopening access to fishing on our property during limited hours. Partial access restrictions remain in place to protect the health of the fishery during times of day when natural stressors are greatest. As always, TNC appreciates anglers’ cooperation in limiting handling and minimizing stress when fishing at Silver Creek Preserve. Whenever possible, please release fish quickly and limit your fishing activity when air temperatures get hot.
We also want to remind everyone of our new designated fishing access points implemented in May 2021. The map of access points at the Preserve and a list of FAQs is attached. If you have questions about this policy or need more info, please email us [email protected] or call the Preserve Office (208) 788-7910.
Erika Green Phillips
Watershed Manager
+1 208 578-4049 (office)
+1 208 721-8112 (personal cell)
Best fishing is on Hebgen’s Madison Arm for gulpers. Fish during AM when lake surface is calm. Speckled dun spinner, dun, and emerger patterns, size 14-16) Be careful because blue-green algae ( toxic to pets and many domestic animals) bloom is becoming dense along shallows especially in the Grayling Arm. Hoot owl closure still applies to entire Madison River.
Flow is down a bit to 15800 cfs at Irwin and should drop more. Streamers have been producing, moving away from big dries throughout the river. Nymphing drop-offs is good strategy. Look for hoppers and other terrestrial insect patterns to become increasingly effective
Hoot owl restrictions are present indefinitely on all park streams. You can fish only these from sunrise to 2 PM MST. Lakes are exempt from this restriction. Expect crowded fishing on all roadside streams, full campgrounds and lodging, and heavy traffic conditions.
Sand Creek Ponds are open to fishing from water craft. Pond are stocked and those fish are active. Speckled dun and damsel fly life cycle, small leech, small fly rod jig, and soft hackle patterns are effective. It is best for fish well being to begin a visit as early as possible or fish during evenings. Leave mid-day for lunches, etc.