The season is over on many of these streams as their waters drop and cool. For some, road conditions make access not possible. The lower Teton River, the lower Fall River and parts of the Blackfoot River above the reservoir remain fishable. Midge & BWO life cycle patterns, small streamers and woolly bugger types and bead head nymphs are the best fly choices.
There can be some great nymph and streamer fishing on such as the lower Teton River, lower Fall River, Birch Creek, and the middle and lower parts of the Portneuf River before winter sets in.
Many of these waters will close the end of November. Some will not be accessible soon because roads will not be maintained as winter moves in. Some that should be accessible through November include lower Teton River, lower Fall River, Birch Creek, and the middle and lower parts of the Portneuf River. Consult with us with respect to fishing conditions and access for these.
The Blackfoot River offers great streamer fishing now whether you try the upper river or locations below the reservoir. The lower Teton River also offers streamer fishing as well as some dry action from BWOs during low light conditions.
Stick to the Blackfoot, Teton, Warm and Portneuf sized streams now. Colder weather shuts down smaller streams because insect activity shuts down and water levels drop.
It’s the time of the season where action slows on many smaller waters. Some that remain in the fold of providing action include the lower Teton River, the lower Blackfoot River, Warm River around the spring (the river from the tunnel to the Henry’s Fork confluence remains closed to protect spawning browns), Birch Creek, and certain parts of Fall River. Get in touch with us for strategy suggestions on some of these.
Warm River, Fall River, the lower Blackfoot River, the lower Teton River, Robinson Creek, and Birch Creek are providing the best action. All have BWOs and some tricos going through life cycles. Small beadhead nymphs work well on each of these. Some browns are moving into the Salt River tribs, but they are about as wary as a trout can be. Want to test your “big fish in small waters” skills? Try fooling browns in Stump, Crow and Jackknife creeks.
Action will begin to slow on higher elevation small waters as we get into frosty nights. Nevertheless, small streams holding brown trout will be great destinations regardless of elevation. This includes such as Robinson Creek, Salt River tribs, Hebgen Lake tribs and the lower Portneuf River. Rely on streamer and wooly bugger patterns for these fish, and bring ALL your stealth skills. Also remember that Warm River below the tunnel closes to fishing on September 30 to protect spawning Henry’s Fork browns.
We are heading for some very nice weather next week. And there are plenty of terrestrial insects and caddisflies around. Those along with BWOs showing up on some waters can make for some great small water fly-fishing experiences. The choice of small waters is almost endless whether well-known like Teton River and Warm River or lesser known like Bitch Creek or Stump Creek. So get in touch with us to help you choose one.
Until we have hard freezes, most small waters will remain good fishing. Flavs are still active on Palisades and Big Elk creeks. Warm River just below the spring has a good BWO emergence on cloudy days. Birch, Stump and Robinson creeks continue to produce for those presenting terrestrial and attractor patterns.