Minor flow adjustments, usually downward recently, have no big impact on trout activity. The same mayfly and caddisfly activity as in the past few weeks continues, but terrestrial insect patterns are becoming increasingly important for success up and down the river. Expect ” hustle and bustle activity” at launch facilities (Husky’s is temporarily closed due to contract work) especially those adjacent to Highway 26. Expect weekends to have the most boat traffic.
Big Lost River
The best of times to fish Big Lost River below Mackay Dam have begun and should last well into the fall season. Flow out of the dam is a bit above 300 cfs, so wading is not difficult and continues in a good amount on downstream to the Leslie township. Access is plentiful below the dam, around the campground, and the IDF&G access. Caddis, isoperla stonefly, and terrestrial insect activities bring fish up to make top water fishing very good. Further on downstream where the river flows through private land there is access at bridges and areas of state and BLM land. Here it is important while fishing to stay within the high water mark.
Beula Lake
Are you still looking for good to great still water fishing? If you have a Park fishing license and follow the trail ( begins at east end of Grassy Lake Reservoir on the Ashton-Flagg road) to Beula Lake, you will certainly find it. Only Yellowstone cutthroat ranging to trophy size inhabit Beula, and now they are foraging on speckled dun mayfly, damsel fly and cinnamon caddis activities. Yes it is a 2.5 mile walk, but the reward is certain responses to your life cycle patterns for these insects. For best action, pack in a flotation device, waders and fins to get out on the lake. But toting in this gear is not necessary because. fishing from shore around the southeast corner inlet and wading along the north shore works.
If walking this far is not to your liking, very similar activity can be had by walking to Riddle Lake and wading the north shoreline. Riddle is a bit more that a mile walk from its trailhead a few miles south of West Thumb Junction off the South Entrance Road. Riddle Lake cutties range smaller than those in Beula, but they are just as active.
Because of cooler late summer air and less daylight, we are past the dissolved oxygen and water temperature concerns of the year for the upper river. This means that catch and release fishing throughout the day generally will not stress subjected salmonids. So beginning with the AM trico activity on to when terrestrial insects, speckled dun mayfly and caddis fly activities take over, enjoy what the river offers
( be sure to have flying ant patterns in that fly box ). It will be a few weeks before these thoughts apply to the lower river.
A UNIQUE TOUR AVAILABLE AUGUST 20
Every year, the Henry’s Fork Watershed Council hosts a “Watershed Tour”. Participants visit sites within the watershed where water issues or key projects are occurring. This year, the tour will focus on Island Park Reservoir, Island Park Dam, and Last Chance Wastewater Treatment Plant to discuss the theme of water quality in the Henry’s Fork Watershed. The reservoir portion of the tour will be conducted via pontoon boat, so participants must RSVP to [email protected] to reserve a spot. The tour is scheduled to run from 9 AM – 3 PM, Tuesday, August 20th. For more information, please email [email protected].
Mutant golden stones are out and top water fishing is great on most of the river. The water remains cool and clear compared to other major regional rivers. Paving is completed at both the Dam and Husky’s. This time of year offers some tremendous fishing on the South Fork, and now is a great time to take advantage of world renowned top water fishing.
Flies to fish:
Flow out of Island Park Dam is at seasonal amounts but reservoir volume is a bit below normal. There can some good fishing on the west end around such as Grizzly Springs. Try red midge pupa patterns under an indicator to find the taking depth. Cloudy conditions with some thundershowers have helped in keeping water temperatures below dangerous levels for salmonids. Early AM tricos make up the “name of the mayfly game.” After this diminishes about mid-day, presenting ant and hopper patterns can bring action. As we move through August, flying ants will increase in numbers and will be sought by trout especially along the upper river.
Flies to fish:
With the afternoon green drake emergence, bankside terrestrial insects and PM caddis makes Big Elk Creek a top water fishing treasure. Kokanee are moving in from the reservoir to spawn, but they do not impact the great top water fishing.
The Teton River in the basin is another stream at the top of its fishing game with PMD, sallies, golden stones and a variety of bankside terrestrial insects being active. Mornings are best time to fish as fishing and recreational boats and wading angler traffic increases as mid-day approaches. Teton Basin hosts frequent thunder showers this time of the year. If you try to shelter in a willow thicket while one passes, you may be sharing that thicket with a moose. Be careful!
Flies to fish:
Attempts are being made to re-establish a kokanee population in Ririe Reservoir, but first the walleye population has to be reduced. Walleyes are great table fare, but they forage on all sportfish within their domain. So the reservoir’s sportfish population from trout and bass to yellow perch is becoming seriously reduced because of them. A range of sizes up to huge walleyes have been captured in the reservoir which indicates after being introduced illegally, they may have an expanding population.
Flies to fish:
Flow out of Palisades Dam has been nearly constant at around 9800 cfs at Irwin ( 9400 cfs at Heise, 4200 cfs at Lorenzo) for about a week, and the reservoir is about three quarters full which is good news for this late in the season. We have varying reports fishing success on the river. Mutant golden stoneflies are continuing early in the day with terrestrial insect and caddis life cycle patterns becoming increasingly effective later in the day.
Flies to fish:
The effects of water temperature and dissolved oxygen on salmonid well being will begin to wind down now with less daylight coming through shorter days and cooler nights as we move through August. Cooler air temperatures and less daylight means more active trout. The river from Island Park Dam to Pinehaven is a good example of this coming on. Early in the day trico activity is the major mayfly event up and down the river now with some speckled duns coming out in slow water reaches. Terrestrial insect patterns, especially those for ants and hoppers will produce later in the day as will those for the caddis life cycle.
Flies to fish: