Henry’s Fork 4/30/2011
Boat ramps at Chester Dam ARE open. See Tim’s report from yesterday for “how to” fishing info. Events and strategies for the lower river unlikely to change for the next several days.
Henry’s Fork
Henry’s Fork 4/29
The Chester Boat ramp should be open now. Blue Wing Olives and nymphs are the ticket for catching fish. Streamers have also been working well. As soon as the weather decides to warm up we should start seeing some Caddis, and March Browns hatching. Until than keep starring at indicators and looking for Dry Flies.
Henry’s Fork 4/23/2011
River below Warm River confluence is a little discolored but fishing OK. Access is good. BWO and midge life cycle plus a few march brown patterns are what you need to bring as well as streamers.
We just received word from Kim at the Henry’s Fork Foundation office that the boat ramps at the Chester Dam will be rebuilt next week. The boat put-in below the dam will be closed Monday and Tuesday, April 25th & 26th. The boat take-out above the dam will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, April 27th and 28th. If all goes as planned, both ramps should be opened Friday or Saturday. Check with us ([email protected], 208-524-7160) if you wish to use these facilities during these times.
Henry’s Fork 4/19
Fishing continues to pick up on the Henry’s Fork. Blue Wing Olive’s have been hatching in good numbers. The water clarity has been fairly good, but be sure to watch the flows on the Falls River, because it will blow out the river below Chester Dam. You still need a pair of snow shoes to get into the “Box” but the fishing has been productive there as well. Nymphing in the “Box” is still the best technique for catching fish. Look for the Mothers Day Caddis to start up soon and the March Browns. We should see these flies in the next week or two on the lower river. Remember that Ashton Dam to Vernon bridge is closed until Memorial Day weekend. C and D shuttles are up and running for your shuttle needs.
Henry’s Fork 4/8
News on the Henry’s Fork is that all the boat ramps are now open expect Box Canyon. There is a lot of construction equipment in and around the construction area please be mindful of this equipment and try to stay out of the way of the construction workers.
Good reports of Blue Wing Olives have been hatching on the River and some fish are starting to rise to them. Nymphing still seems to be really productive right now and some streamers have been working as well. Shouldn’t be too long before we Skwallas, and March Brown will be hatching.
Henry’s Fork 4/6
We some good news! Access into the Chester Dam is now open. We had reported earlier that it had been closed for construction and it has now been reopened. Floating Warm River to Ashton is still not accessible because of the huge snow drift blocking the Ashton boat ramp.You still can not float the Box Canyon but the wade fishing has been outstanding.
The fishing has been steady and we are seeing more and more Blue Wing Olives hatching and fish eating them. Nymph fishing has been producing fish as well. Stonefly nymphs and bead head nymphs are the name of the game. San Juan Worms and glo bugs have also been good selections for catching fish below an indicator. The streamer fishing has been picking up as well. It will not be long and we should have Caddis, and Skwallas hatching on the river as well.
Henry’s Fork 3/30
The biggest news about the Henry’s Fork is Chester Dam boat ramp is closed and you can not take a boat out here. You can not put a boat in either. This will change in the future but we do not know when, as soon as we hear we will be posting it on the fishing report. They are doing construction on the Chester Dam which is blocking access to this boat ramp.As far as I know the boat ramps are still snowed in so floating right now is not really an option. We will be updating you as soon as this changes int he next few weeks.
Fishing has been really good. I hear of a few Blue Wing Olives hatching but not many fish keying in on them yet. The midges are hatching in good numbers and the fish have been responding to those hatches. I would have a few Skwallas and Caddis in my box if I was fishing the the Henry’s Fork this month. This insects will begin to hatch as the water warms. Nymphing is still producing fish, use Rubbelegs, beadhead pheasant tails, glo bugs and San Juan worms.
Henry’s Fork 3/8
Well the Henry’s Fork has been fishing fairly decent as well. Midges and nymphing still seem to be the name of the game. Try the San Juan Worm, and glo bugs…I like to call is spaghetti and Meatballs. This combo have been really getting the fish to eat.
Who knew trout were into Italian food?…Sorry bad joke.
The entire river system is open now except for a few exceptions, like Herriman park and Ashton Dam to Vernon Bridge. There is so much water you can fish. I would recommend ski’s or snowshoes if you fish up in Island Park cause the snow is deep. The warming weather this weekend should produce some nice fishing.
Henry’s Fork 2/21
I have had lots of good reports from the Henry’s Fork. If you can get in through the snow, the Box Canyon is fishing really well. The lower river is also producing fish in good numbers. Most of the action is on nymphs but on the right day you will find some great dry fly action on Midges. Remember the entire Henry’s Fork is open to fishing year around now except Herriman Park and Ashton Dam to Vernon Bridge. There is lots of good fishing, just make sure you pick the right day when you go.
Henry’s Fork 12/2
Well the time has come and I have to finely except that fact that it is winter and we probably will not see temps above 50 degrees till spring. So its time for our annual winter fishing report:
Winter fishing is always a good time to go be alone on the river and have a great chance at hooking some really nice fish. However there are a few things that will help you be a little more successful on your winter outings.
Choose the right day, you will want to fish on days when the temperature is going to be above freezing, or somewhat close to it. There is only a few hours in during the day that the temperature peaks this is the time when you want to be casting a fly. Usually it is between 1-3pm. Sunny days doesn’t necessarily mean it will be warm, cloud cover can keep the temperature above freezing and allow midges to hatch.
Leave you boat at home. You don’t have enough time to launch and float. Also none of the boat ramps get plowed int he winter so most of them are closed. There is plenty of water to fish while wading. The fish concentrate in deep holeswith slow moving water in the winter time its much easier to just walk in to fish.
Nymphs like a rubberleg and a zebra midge, Dry Fly Midges, and small streamers presented with very very slow movement will give you the best opportunity to catch fish. Trout beads and other glo bug imitations under an indicator work as well.
Fish with a friend and always be prepared for the worst situation. I always have extra clothes with me in case I fall in, and always let someone know where you will be fishing and when you plan to return. Winter time water temps will give you hypothermia in a matter of minute. Having the ability to get wet clothes off your body and put dry clothes on will save your life. Extra food, blankets and other basic survival needs are smart in case you get stuck for a few hours or the evening.
We will post updated fishing reports throughout the winter when we think it might be a good time to get out or if there is going to be a major change int he weather. unfortunately the techniques and flies to use don’t change the entire winter, so you will not see fishing reports as often as you would during the Spring, Summer and Fall. As always you can call the shop and we will fill you in on any questions you have.