Henry’s Fork

Henry’s Fork 5-14-19

A great technique to try if you are float-fishing is to concentrate presentations on the bank out of the sunlight. Drift by and present streamer, rubberleg and such as super-x patterns in towards the bank.  This technique has been working well on the river from the Warm River confluence to the Fun Farm bridge.

Now is also the time when big stonefly nymphs begin migrating toward banks, so fish will begin concentrating there, especially during low light conditions.  So here is another reason for paying attention to fishing bank side waters whether wading or float-fishing.  It is only a matter of several days before the big stoneflies begin flying to return to the river to lays eggs and become the reason for some superb top water fishing!

Henry’s Fork 5-7-19

Today’s weather makes for near ideal BWO activity on the lower river. Cool, cloudy with threat of storms and minimal (so far) wind are on-going.  These low light conditions are also great for presenting streamers.  So today offers something for fly-fishing enthusiasts near opposite ends of the line type (floating-sink tip) spectrum. You may have a great time fishing this PM on the river between Warm River and Chester if you can break away!

Henry’s Fork 5-4-19

Wind has been the big problem here. Afternoons when BWOs, March browns and caddis kick in is usually the windiest time of day.  When wind really gets going these bugs tend not to hatch in number. Before wind rises to bad levels, pitch streamers and any kind of weighted bug that imitates a stonefly nymph. These are not much more than several days away from beginning to move on the lower river, so consider building a stock of your favorite patterns that imitate them.

Henry’s Fork 3-23-19

Flow below Ashton Dam is a bit higher ( 1400 cfs) than normal (1100 cfs) with the river in good shape. Fishing is good if such as rubber legs and streamers are presented.  No BWOs to speak of yet, but plenty of midges.  So life cycle patterns of these might get you some top water action.

Henry’s Fork 3-12-19

We have some information on lower river fishing success from Ashton Dam downstream to the Fun Farm Bridge.  The river is somewhat higher ( 1350 cfs) than normal (1060 cfs) according to the gage below Ashton Dam. Walk-in wade fishing gets one to most of the river, but float fishing is a bit limited because of conditions at some boat ramp sites.  Streamer fishing is good.  Midges are abundant making for a bit of top water fishing.  BWO activity is not important yet, but as we warm up will become increasing to attract fish during afternoons especially on overcast days.

Henry’s Fork 11-24-18

No significant icing on the river yet. Presenting streamers is the name of the game on the lower river. So is warm clothing and waders that do not leak!

Henry’s Fork 11-10-18

Same comments as for the South Fork: Streamers are the name of the game for big fish. Warm clothing and non-leak waders are requirement for comfort.

Henry’s Fork 10–27-18

Seems like what is going on for fishing the South Fork applies to the lower Henry’s Fork. Afternoon BWO activity, caddis later in the afternoon, and mostly presenting streamers to migrating browns.  BWO activity rules the roost at the Last Chance-Harriman stretch, while streamer fishing in Box Canyon and The Tubs is the order of the day.  If you plan on fishing the upper river, watch the weather.

Henry’s Fork 10-16-18

Notice that what happens on the lower Henry’s Fork (Warm River to St. Anthony) is similar to what is going on this time of year on the South Fork.  On both rivers flow is dropping to base level. BWOs, mahogany duns, and midges provide the best dry fly fishing.  Streamer presentation gains in effectiveness as the fall season advances through November as brown trout make spawning runs.  If switching to streamers is to your liking, the  best places on the upper river this time of year include Box Canyon, the base and the top of Coffee Pot Rapids, and The Tubs above Mack’s Inn.

Henry’s Fork 10-8-18

If you enjoy streamer fishing, now begins the time that Box Canyon is great, especially during a stormy day like today.  Another such location is “The Tubs” where Henry’s Lake Outlet and Big Springs Outlet combine above Mack’s Inn.  This time of year fish move downstream from the river in the Flat Ranch to the deep cover in these holes. There are several other locations along the river where streamers are very effective now. From Warm River to Ashton is particularly good. So is the river just below Ashton Dam. Want to pitch streamer patterns in a tranquil location free of boats?  Try the river at Bear Gulch, just above Mesa Falls Park, and below Coffee Pot Rapids as well as “The Tubs.”

If you enjoy the BWO emergence anywhere along the river, do not overlook using soft hackle patterns (partridge and olive , size 14) for emerger imitations.