Henry’s Fork

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.

Henry’s Fork 11-13-10

As with the South Fork dry fly fishing concentrates around BWO and midge life cycle patterns.  Streamer patterns produce best results for wet fly fishing, although bead heads of your favorite small nymphs will produce.    Flows above Ashton Dam remain lower that normal to aid in the Ashton Dam project.  Flows below the dam are also low.  Low flows concentrate fish into deeper water for overhead cover, so watch heads and tails of holes and runs as well as riffles for rising fish.

Henry’s Fork 11-05-10

As with the South Fork and main stem Snake River flows are down, so wading is a great  way to approach the river.  Best streamer fishing on the upper river is in Box Canyon where big bows are moving in for the winter.  On the lower river browns are moving throughout. Low water means they will be concentrated during daytime, but migrating during low light conditions.  Next week with a change in the weather for the worse coming will be a great time to encounter them.  The change will also mean good BWO activity. So take your pick for next week: BWO life cycle patterns or streamers!

Henry’s Fork 10-27-10

The lower river features BWOs & midges for top water fishing and streamer fishing for migrating browns and big ‘bows. This cloudy cool weather is just the ticket for both these, and with low flows the river is very approachable to walk-in wading. Box Canyon has the best streamer and nymph fishing on the upper river. The river at Last Chance has a great BWO hatch.   Watch the roads, especially early mornings, when you travel through Island Park. Yesterday AM they were very slick just above Ashton Hill and again between Elk Creek  and Mack’s Inn.

Henry’s Fork 10-24-10

Above Ashton Reservoir expect lower flows than normal for the rest of the year to help during the Ashton Dam repair project.  It appears that the repair project is being conducted in a manner as friendly as possible to the river.  Below Ashton Dam flows are closer to normal, browns are migrating to spawning areas, and BWO emergences are in full swing.  That makes for some good dry fly fishing and daytime streamer fishing.  Try being on the river early & late in the day during cloudy conditions for best results, especially when streamer fishing.

Henry’s Fork 10/15

Blue Wing Olives and Midges are bringing fish to the surface. The Lower river and the Box Canyon are fishing well. Nymphing and streamers have also been producing fish. Flows were bumped below Ashton the other day but the water has calmed down now and fishing is back to normal.

Henry’s Fork 10-9-10

Two best places to fish the upper river are  at Box Canyon where bead head nymphs and late day streamers bring the best action.   Next is Last Chance which offers some very good BWO fishing on cloudy days.  The lower river also offers BWOs and nymph fishing with caddis emerging and a  few hoppers remaining.  But for big fish the best strategy here is to pitch streamers under low light conditions.   Browns are moving throughout the lower river, and  they are taking steamers.  Have dark colored and light colored patterns in your fly box.  If one does not produce after a dozen or so casts, switch to the other.   Best locations to encounter big browns seems to be below Ashton Dam to Chester backwaters,  around the Wendell bridge just north of Ashton, and just below St. Anthony on downstream.