Henry’s Fork, July 5th, 2022
We have reports of recreational floating traffic on the river; Box Canyon and the entire lower river between above Chester seem to be favored locations. Consider that these folks do not understand angling etiquette. So be patient. They have just as much right to enjoy the river as do anglers. Best time to fish around them is early and late in the day.
All traditional hatches are in full swing along the river: Green drakes, flavs, PMDs, PM caddis abound with a few golden stones. Brown drakes are appearing in evenings on lower the river at Harriman East making Wood Road 16 an up and coming favored location. AM and PM spinner falls are good times to be on the river whether it be Last Chance-Harriman State Park waters or the lower river. These times of day minimize recreational traffic. Also dry-dropper combos seem to work everywhere. Try a dry blond humpy over a bead head nymph of your choice
Headlines from Dr. Rob Van Kirk’s latest Henry’s Fork drainage water conditions report follow:
Headlines:
- The first 4 days of July were slightly on the warm side of average, and a few thundershowers kept water-year precipitation at 91% of average.
- Natural flow has dropped by 1-2% per day over the past four days, while diversion has stayed relatively constant.
- Since an outflow increase on Saturday, Island Park Reservoir outflow has averaged 991 cfs, and the reservoir has drafted at 930 ac-ft/day. Additional incremental increases in outflow are expected.
- Water quality: Water temperatures have been optimal except at St. Anthony, while turbidity is still above average at all locations upstream of Ashton Reservoir.
Rob Van Kirk, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
P.O. Box 550
Ashton, ID 83420
208-881-3407 CELL
208-652-3568 FAX