The big stoneflies are coming out on the lower river. But you can bet those big bugs are hunkering low today! Just getting to the river now could be a bit tough with this late season snow storm. But when the warm-up predicted in a few days kicks in, the top water fun will begin. For now, drive safely.
Few fly-fishing world happenings are anticipated as much as are the giant and golden stonefly emergences on regional rivers. With respect to the Henry’s Fork, nymphs of these species are moving toward banks along the lower river thus making patterns imitating these currently very effective (don’t overlook pitching a streamer). It will be a matter of several days before these bugs will be flying, but look for the first to appear in numbers significant to attract trout attention in the Ashton through Bear Gulch reach of the river. Soon to follow will be the same activity happening from the river below Ashton Dam. So if you intend to be at the fly tying bench, tying nymph and dry patterns for giant and golden stoneflies will be time well spent!
Flow out of Island Park Dam has been nearly cut in half and the boat launch just below is totally accessible. The drop in flow is reflected on downstream to the Fall River confluence at Chester Dam with flow a bit below normal.
Fall River currently is running somewhat high but clear. This means the Henry’s Fork below Chester Dam still hosts good fishing. The Island Park countryside is quickly becoming free of snow, and the Mesa Falls Highway is totally passable. Many side roads are not yet free of snow. The Henry’s Fork at Last Chance features midge and BWO activity, so presenting their life cycle patterns is quite effective.
Flow out of Island Park Dam has been raised from around 550 cfs to nearly 900 cfs. This flow is not carried down much to the lower river where flows are a bit above normal for this time of year. Fishing on the lower river is good ( BWO, March brown, midge, caddis small stonefly life cycle patterns and streamers) except for windy days when anything emerging onto the surface is blown away before fish have a chance to raise to them.
Social distancing is a bit tougher to find at launch sites on the lower river. That is because currently some of the best fishing in the region can be found there. Sun shiny days, like those coming up until mid-week, will dampen the BWO activity a little, but March browns, caddis and midges will provide surface and near surface action from life cycle patterns of each. Streamers remain effective under low-light conditions and as we advance past April, large stonefly nymph patterns will be increasingly effective.
A good bit of news for the Henry’s Fork immediately below Island Park Dam is that flow out of the dam has remained above 500 cfs all winter. Annual average flow out of the dam through the winter has been just below 400 cfs. The higher flow gives more natural bank cover for the youngest of trout to use for shelter thus helping their life expectancy. They are the future, so the more of them, the better.
On the lower river successful fishing is holding steady, so visits whether through boating or wading are on the increase making “social distancing” more difficult to achieve. Nevertheless solitude can be found especially early and late in the day. Consider using the presentation strategies offered in our recent fishing reports for this part of the river.
Fun Farm Bridge at Twilight
Below Ashton Dam river flow has been near normal with minor variations not being enough to impact fishing success. With near constant flow and increasing daylight BWO, midge and increasing March brown and caddis activities are making presenting their life cycle patterns effective. Add to these streamer and large nymph presentations also being effective, and many fly-fishers are currently attracted to the river. Thus compared to the South Fork, social distancing is a bit harder to realize, especially around boat launching locations. Nevertheless, solitude can be realized but especially during early and late hours. So consider these times for a visit.
Some folks are drift boating from Warm River to Ashton. Midges and BWO life cycle patterns will bring the most action, but streamer and stonefly nymph/rubber legs patterns will likely be more interesting to the larger fish anywhere you try the river. Consider trying places upstream along the river road after crossing the Fun Farm Bridge. Access on the lower river is shaping up, but the bad news is that the private access on the other side of the river above the Chester backwaters, known as Seeley’s, has been closed by the owner. Misuse by inconsiderate individuals accumulated enough to cause this closure.
Flow out of Island Park Reservoir has been around 550 cfs all winter, that flow increased by that from the Buffalo River has given good natural shelter along banks to young trout for habitation. This situation gives a better chance for a boost to future populations on downstream in the Island Park area.
Currently much of the lower river has snow covered banks limiting access at boat launch sites and walk-in access at most places. Nevertheless, were walk-in access is available, fishing has been good. Midge and BWO activity produce for the small fly enthusiast. Streamers and big nymphs produce for the large fly enthusiast.