Flow throughout is less than normal in order to begin filling reservoirs. Below American Falls Dam flow is at a paltry 300 cfs. That will concentrate fish into deeper water and bring in lots of anglers. Brown trout are migrating to spawning areas, and there are plenty of walk-in-wade locations to encounter them away from spawning areas. Boating is also a good option because good water depth remains in the river. Fishing from a boat also minimizes interrupting the surface of spawning areas.
With flow below normal from the Henry’s Fork confluence to below American Falls Reservoir ( a paltry 316 cfs currently coming out of American Falls Dam) now is the time to pitch streamers for migrating brown trout and the rainbow trout that will follow them. That low flow out of American Falls Reservoir, which is at around 4% of capacity, is thus likely to stay that low though the winter as another irrigation season with its demands for water will begin next spring.
From the Henry’s Fork confluence to American Falls Reservoir the Snake River is flowing at or below its normal amount because irrigation season is over and water storage routines are starting in upstream reservoirs. Thus both boating and walk-in-wade opportunities on the river are more attractive and numerous than in past months.
.It is also the time of the season when brown trout begin migrating to spawning areas. Being aggressive during the migration, they make good sport for fly fishers presenting streamer patterns. Choose the heads and tails of deep water and along banks with good vegetation and deep water to concentrate your presentations, Avoid spawning areas. With our unusually sunny, warm weather, the best time to encounter these browns is under low light conditions because they settle in deep water for overhead cover during daytime. So the best chance for encounters is during early morning or evenings hours when the sun is off the water. The shortening days make being on the water more convenient, so consider a “pre-breakfast” or “pre-dinner” visit to the river.
Flow out of American Falls Dam was increased to 4900 cfs yesterday. Expect more flow increases in the near future as downstream irrigation demands are beginning.
Flow out of American Falls Reservoir is in an increasing mode as downstream irrigation demands for water are beginning. Yesterday flow was increased from around 440 cfs to 1180 cfs. Wading downstream of the dam can be dangerous during increasing flows. If you are fishing within earshot of sirens and whistles coming from the dam, get out of the water ASAP!
There is access at several places along the river above American Falls Reservoir. Some include below Gem Lake Dam, around the Shelley I-15 connector, near the Firth boat launch, the Riverside access just below Blackfoot, around Tilden Bridge, and near McTucker Ponds. In all these locations river flow is lower than normal and water is clear. Presenting streamer patterns gives the best chance of success. Below American Falls Dam it’s a bit different. Some access is through muddy roads. The reservoir is about two-thirds full and low flows in the river below (currently about 450 cfs, but somewhat discolored) will continue until it is at capacity.
If you can find access past iced up banks, don’t mind fishing during relatively harsh winter weather, and can tolerate ice in your guides and in reels, some fishing can be had on the river these days. Flows throughout are lower than normal, and fish are stacked up in deeper water. Pitching streamers or such as rubber leg patterns on sinking or sink tip lines is the name of the game. All these not so positive conditions sure make that hot drink of whatever at the end of the outing a welcome action!
Flow out of American Falls Reservoir is down to around 440 cfs as efforts to fill the reservoir will continue low flows such as this through the winter and into springtime. These flows will concentrate fish in certain spots in the river below and provide easier access to many of them. Presenting streamer patterns will bring the best chances for successful fishing in the river below.
It is “Brown Trout Time” along the river from American Falls Reservoir upstream to the Henry’s Fork confluence. Browns are migrating and aggressive. Low light conditions, like we have today, are best times for success while presenting streamer patterns for them. Below American Falls Reservoir flow is down to around 1000 cfs making for good access. Flows will likely go lower as every effort will be made this winter and spring to fill the reservoir. Several streamer patterns and woolly bugger types are effective here depending on who you talk to and where/how you present them.
