Here is a tip for small stream enthusiasts. The Blackfoot River below the Reservoir downstream through the canyon is fishable and will begin producing now that most irrigation flows are over. There are several access places in this reach, and for the most part these are within 50 miles of Idaho Falls. Come in and discuss with us how to get to this part of the river. Terrestrial, attractor, streamer, and caddis life cycle patterns will be effective here.
Thanks to our great late summer weather, many of these still offer good fishing. The South Fork and Salt River tribs, Robinson and Bitch creeks are some of these. Terrestrial, caddis, and attractor patterns are best. The same applies to Warm River, Teton River, and lower Fall River. Birch Creek trout still respond to terrestrial and BWO patterns. The Portneuf River is low, clear and tougher fishing because water is being stored in Chesterfield Reservoir. There are several other small waters to try. Get in touch with us or drop in to get information on fishing these.
Here are a few details on which of these waters seem to be producing the best fishing. The flavs are still producing great PM fishing on Big Elk Creek. Hoppers and attractor patterns are bringing action on Palisades Creek. Hoppers are beginning to produce on the upper Blackfoot River. Warm River just below the spring is a great choice with caddis, BWO and terresttrial patterns bringing action. Trico spinner falls still bring action on the Birch Creek diversion. There is a lot more! Get in touch or visit us to find out more info on these waters.
Terrestrial and attractor patterns remain effective on most of these. Action on the upper Blackfoot River is really picking up. Palisades and Big Elk creeks remain good bets for action, too. Tricos are still aplenty on Birch Creek.
The upper Blackfoot River seems to be improving with terrestrial patterns finally producing. Flavs are producing afternoon action on Big Elk Creek. Hoppers and ants bring action on all South Fork and Salt River tribs, Warm River, Teton River and the Little Lost River. Attractors work on all streams, so get out and enjoy them before cold weather shut things down.
As we cool during September some of these will see less insect activity, but the larger ones such as the Teton, Blackfoot, Greys, Portneuf, Warm and Fall rivers, creeks including Robinson, Big Elk, the Salt River tribs and Palisades will remain good choices because of BWO, mahogany dun, caddis, cranefly, and terrestrial insect activity. On any of these streams hosting brown trout, streamers will become important.
No big changes since last report. One specific thought is that the afternoon flav emergence on Big Elk Creek is near its peak. Redfish have migrated miles up the creek, but most anglers chasing them do not walk far.
Terrestrial and attractor patterns work on all these this time of year. Some such as Birch Creek, Warm River, upper and lower reaches of the Teton River, and Stump Creek have morning Trico spinner falls.
Bear Creek
The pic above shows Bear Creek about 1.5 miles above the campground/trailhead. Current Creek Guard Station sits at the edge of the fenced meadow. From here upstream as far as time permits the creek is a beautiful destination to fish. Resident cutthroat trout ranging to eighteen inches readily take terrestrial and attractor patterns. To enjoy Bear Creek; cross Palisades Dam, go past the Calamity area and bear right where the road forks. From here Bear Creek is about an eight mile drive. Get in touch with us for strategy thoughts on fishing this and other small streams.
They are all fishing well whether you choose Salt River tribs, South Fork tribs, Henry’s Fork tribs, Birch Creek and other sinks streams, Portneuf River drainage streams, and others. Terrestrial and attractor patterns are the way to go. Sawmill Creek (below) at the head of Little Lost River has fast action for brookies, bull trout, and ‘bows. Thirty and forty fish days are common here.
With terrestrial insects here to stay for a while, the choice of smaller waters with great fishing is huge. This will continue until we get into those frosty nights. We get information every day on fishing conditions from so many of these waters. Get in touch with us or come in for a visit to learn the best smaller waters at any given time.