Henry’s Fork

Henry’s Fork 11-18-09

!!!!!!This is our official Winter Report!!!!!

As winter approaches fly fishing will become fairly slow. Slow enough that we will not be updating the fishing report as often as we do in the spring, summer and fall. We will continue to keep you updated on any changes in the river or good fishing that might happen during the winter. We want to continue to be your best source for information on fishing in our local area. The reason we don’t update the fishing report as much in the winter is because the conditions do not change. With that said successful fly fishing in the winter time is very obtainable. Many people enjoy winter fishing and find it to be very rewarding. Here are a few things that will help you be successful while fishing this winter.

Pick the right day. You will want to pick a day that will be warm. I like to use the rule of 32. If it is above 32 degrees its warm enough to fish. If the high doesn’t reach 32, fishing might not be the best option. There are exceptions to this rule but in general it is a good one to follow.

Leave the Boat at Home. Most of the boat ramps do not get plowed in the winter so it is really hard to launch your boat. The flows are very low in the winter and 3 miles will take all day to float. The fishing in the winter is only good for a few hours during the warmest part of the day. Wade fishing is very easy in the winter, focus finding fish to catch during those few hours when the fish are active. Fish pod up in the winter in the slow deep holes and the tail outs of riffles. Pounding the bank from the boat is not an effective way to catch fish in the winter.

Be Prepared! Things that go wrong on a typical summer day of fishing can be dangerous. Those same risks can be multiplied very quickly in the winter months. Hypothermia is something you would watch out for in the summer and expect in the winter! Especially if you fall while wading and take a swim. Never travel too far from the car unless you are prepared with an extra set of dry clothes, and the ability to make a fire. Its a good idea to fish with a partner, and never ever think it is safe to walk out on river ice. Once the sun goes down the temperature drops dramatically so be prepared and know when it’s time to call it a day.

Flies. Typically you will be nymph fishing in the winter. Size 8-12 rubberlegs with a beadhead nymph dropper in a size 14-20 will produce the most fish. Streamers will work but need to be presented really, really slow.

Fish become very lethargic in the winter and do not move fast. This is how the conserve energy in the winter time. However they still need to eat everyday. Winter fishing can be some of the most memorable fishing you will experience. Very small crowds on the river and lots of opportunities to see wintering wildlife. Most of the time you will be the only one on the river so be smart, because chances are no will show up to rescue you. If you have any questions on spots to fish, or winter fishing techniques call or stop in at the shop and we will be happy to assist you.

Henry’s Fork 11-14-09

The Henry’s Fork is fishing very well. Midges and Blue Wing Olives have been hatching in good numbers. Picking the right day to go is really important this time of year with the weather. Cloudy days will produce the best Dry Fly fishing and streamer fishing. Take advantage of the Henry’s Fork before the the season ends and some of your favorite stretches will be closed until next year.

Henry’s Fork 11-10-2009

We have word that the Ashton Dam is being tested for integrity.  Water levels  out of the dam rose about 200 cfs on November 9 in order to drop reservoir levels needed to perform the tests.  It is planned to lower flows out of the dam by 200 cfs on November 13th.  So be aware that this action could impact fishing below Ashton Dam for a few days.

Henry’s Fork 11-09-09

Fishing on the Henry’s Fork is still good. Look for Blue Wing Olives in the afternoon. Nymphing and Streamer fishing have been producing a lot of good sized trout as well. Keep and eye out for trout to start eating midges, below the surface and on top as we continue to see cooler weather.

We have been contacted by the Henry’s Fork Foundation and they informed us that they are making some improvements to the Box Canyon and the Riverside Boat Ramp and to expect these ramps to be closed for about a week.

We also received some information regarding Ashton Reservoir:

On Monday, November 9, 2009, we will be increasing outflow from Ashton Reservoir by approximately 200 cubic feet per second above inflow to the reservoir.  This will cause the reservoir level to decline approximately one foot per day.  We will be maintaining this rate through Friday, November 13, 2009, or until we reach Elevation 5147.  The reservoir is  presently at Elevation 5152.

Saturday, November 14, 2009, through Monday, November 16, 2009, the reservoir will remain at Elevation 5147.

Starting Tuesday, November 17, 2009, outflow will be reduced approximately 200 cubic feet per second below inflow to begin  refilling the reservoir approximately 1 foot per day. This will be maintained through Saturday, November 21, 2009, or until the reservoir reaches Elevation 5152.

During this time frame we will be testing generating equipment to determine its ability to operate at lower reservoir levels.

Mark Stenberg
PacifiCorp Energy
208 852-5507

Henry’s Fork 11-03-2009

For the lower river rely on BWO life cycle patterns and steamers. For the upper river BWO life cycle patterns bring action around Last Chance.  Egg patterns and streamers bring action in Box Canyon and the Tubs.

Henry’s Fork 10-27-2009

Still pretty much the same for the lower river: streamers for migrating browns and BWOs for top water fishing. The weather has been great fo both with cloudy unsettled conditions. So get out and enjoy. For the upper river BWOs are active around Last Chance, and streamers are becoming more effective in Box Canyon.

Henry’s Fork 10-19-2009

It’s much like the South Fork: BWO life cycle patterns or streamers. These are the best choices for action up & down the river.   The weather is right, crowds are down, insect pests gone, and the time of year is right.  Get out and enjoy!

Henry’s Fork 10-15-2009

Take your pick: streamers or BWO life cycle patterns. Browns are getting more active on the lower river as spawning season is just around the corner.  Any streamer pattern will do if you place it in the right spot., and low loight conditions make for better chances.  On overcast days, BWO activity begins a bit earlier and seems more intense.  So pick your preference; streamers or BWOs.  Or do a combination.

Henry’s Fork 10-10-2009

Take your pick from two extremes: BWO life cycle patterns or streamers! This cool, unsettled weather we are having makes both the best way to fish up and down the river. For streamers, any low light conditions will make for best fishing. For the BWOs, PMs and overcast conditions will make for the best success.

Henry’s Fork 10-06-2009

With all this blue winged olive weather you do not need any more hints as to what’s working throughout the river.  PMs are best, but nymphs early in the day will also be effective.

But do not overlook streamers!  Flows are low (1500 cfs at St. Anthony, 1100 cfs at Ashton, 300 cfs in Box Canyon above Buffalo River) so there is plenty of locations to present streamers during low light conditions.  Streamer fishing will be the most effective way to encounter large trout here as we move through the fall months.