Recent heavy rains have caused flooding in Teton Valley especially along Highway 33 between Driggs and Victor. Flood water is receding, but warmer weather is sure to increase run-off in all Teton River streams flowing off the west side of the Grand Teton Range. So fishing Teton River in the basin has slowed, but with dropping water such patterns as San Juan worms or any other that simulates an annelid (worm) will be effective until waters drop to normal levels.
All small steams draining high country are full with run-off. The Teton River drainage is perhaps the best example because of the snow remaining on the Teton Range west slopes. The Blackfoot River below the reservoir is another “run-off full” stream because of the massive snowfall in the drainage during our last winter. The same applies to such as Fall River and Robinson Creek because they drain the Madison and Pitchstone Plateaus in Yellowstone Park. There are a few exceptions to this situation. Warm River is one as well as are Salt River tributaries originating in Idaho. We at Flyfish Foods Jimmy’s can provide information on fishing these smaller waters, and for any small stream coming into fishing shape any time of the season.
While springtime warms, back country roads begin to lose snow cover and become easily damaged because of wet and muddy conditions. County, state, and federal agencies ask that travelers refrain from using such roads until they dry and are repaired to a passable condition. Contact these agencies to determine condions of roads in question.
On contacting the Palisades District ranger station of Caribou-Targhee National Forest we learn the repairing the Bear Creek road to original condition requires a two year project. So travel restrictions will remain for this period.
General fishing regulations for many streams in IDF&G’s Upper Snake River and Southeast Idaho Regions will continue through the winter on such as the South Fork, main stem Snake River and the Henry’s Fork excepting the Harriman State Park reach. However, many streams will remain open through the winter for the designated ” Catch and Release ” season. Those subject to this regulation, with exceptions, are given in the 2022-2024 Seasons & Rules booklet. As, and if, information “trickles in” on these streams, we will post such here.
Some of our small streams offer good fishing this time of the season. The Teton River in the Basin is an example where recreational boats: plastic, inflatable, and made of anything else have reduced to a minimum. A few duck hunters may be around. BWO and mahogany may fly and PM caddis activity make for good top water fishing most days. With frosts becoming deeper, terrestrial insect activity is reducing.. Whether you tie you own or purchase hopper patterns, remember that their body color changes with the season to match that prevailing in the terrestrial surroundings., Fish are conditioned to take well placed hopper and ant patterns when presented with drag-free drifts along vegetation overhangs. So don’t put away those hopper-dropper rigs yet. Watch the weather predictions as snow is possible in the Basin next week.
Lower Teton River
Some of our smaller rivers still offer fishing worth a visit. The lower Teton River is such a location. A way to enjoy this is to launch at the Hog Hollow Bridge and float downstream to take out at one of the locations below that is timely. A dense afternoon BWO emergence with trout responding this time of year is quite reliable, and with a deep frost yet to happen terrestrial insects remain. So such as BWO life cycle patterns, hopper-dropper rigs and streamer patterns are effective.
Now that flow out of the Blackfoot River Reservoir into the river below has been reduced, walk-in wade fishing can be another worthy destination. Hard sided boats are not practical this time of the season as flows are low enough to turn the river into a “rock garden.” Cutthroat and rainbow trout here range to trophy size, May fly activity is reduced to sporadic trico spinner falls, but terrestrial insect and caddis life cycle patterns will remain effective until a killing frost arrives.
So many of our small streams are overlooked because of being adjacent to icon water. Lower Rainey Creek is a good example because of the nearby South Fork. Access is along US Highway 26 at the lower part of Swan Valley. Two pull-outs overlooking the creek provide easy access after walking down a short slope. When these pull-out are not occupied by a parked vehicle, it is time to stop to observe any rising fish in the creek below. If this is the case, descend the slope downward with much stealth to not disturb rising trout. This part of the creek hosts a large portion of cool, clear water coming from private property springs above. Trout, mostly cutthroat, move in from the river to these quality conditions. The same mayfly species, currently BWOs, mahogany duns, diminishing pink alberts are here as well as terrestrial insects.
Fall Colors on Upper Blackfoot River
Some of the larger of these will offer good fishing for weeks to come, even though they are at base level flows. The upper river in the Blackfoot Wildlife Management Area is an example. Being at about 6200 ft in elevation fall is already present. Hunters far outnumber anglers. Aquatic vegetation is beginning to break up making wet fly fishing easier and fall colors are coming on. Roads may be dusty until unsettled weather moves in later this week, but such weather could boost fly fishing success afterwards when warm-up happens.
All these are at base flow levels. Thus trout will be in deepest water, beneath overhead cover such as overhanging banks, and under logs and sweepers. Best fishing will be after waters warm to mid day temperatures. With these low flows, stealth, minimal bank side visits and limited wading will be in order for successful fishing. In smaller streams, fish may frequently move downstream to larger waters to find better overhead cover.
Bear Creek near Current Creek Cabin
Bear Creek, in particular, may be worth a visit, now that a limited bypass road is open to it after being very isolated this summer because of the road closure. Try it just above its confluence with Palisades Reservoir. Terrestrial insect patterns presented with and without a dropper should interest resident trout until cooler weather prevails.
In Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area
All small streams not influenced by upstream reservoirs are at base level flows. This means fish will concentrate in deeper water where overhead cover provides best protection and cooler water offers more comfort. The river in the Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area is a good choice to enjoy relative tranquility, scenery, and improved fishing. Terrestrial insect populations are at their peak here, and although submerged vegetation is also at the same, top water fishing can best good especially through presenting terrestrial insect patterns at the head of deeper waters and close to overhanging banks. Trout population is improving in this part of the river thanks to normal seasonal flow levels and recent alterations made by IDF&G personnel