Small Streams

Small Streams 10-10-2009

The cold weather will slow activity on several of these, but some remain very fishable.   Hoppers are gone from most, but BWOS and caddis remain active.  Small bead head nymphs, BWO life cycle patterns, and small leech patterns remain effective on such as the Blackfoot, Portneuf, Warm and Teton rivers and Birch, Crow, Stump, Tincup, Robinson, and Palisades creeks.

Small Streams 10-06-2009

Some of the smaller ones are “going to sleep for the winter”.  Others such as the Blackfoot, Teton and Portneuf rivers and Birch, Robinson and Sawmill creeks will be great during Indian summer days if we get any. Attractor and caddis patterns work on top, bead head and small leech patterns work below.

A new location for fly fishers is the Fox Ranch reach of the Blackfoot River. Recently purchased by the Monsanto Corporation, this part of the river is reached off the Blackfoot River Road east of Henry, Idaho.   Primarily a cutthroat fishery, it holds a few rainbows and a rare brook trout. With seven miles of new water open to the public, it is certainly worth considering.

Small Streams 9-29-09

If you have not tried the Fox Ranch reach of river recently purchased by Monsanto and opened to the public, let us recommend it.   It can be reached off the Blackfoot River Road going east from Henry.  Look for cutts aplenty and some rainbows.  Terrestrialand attactor patterns and small beadhead peacock leeches should work well.

Small Streams 9-24-09

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.

Small Streams 9-21-09

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.

Small Streams 9-09-09

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.

Small Streams 9-07-09

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.

Small Streams 9-02-09

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.

Small Streams 8-31-09

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.

Small Streams 8-26-09

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.