Small Streams, August 12th, 2023

Bitch Creek Slide to Reach the Bitch Creek Confluence With the Teton River

As with the South Fork, many smaller waters are in top fishing shape these days. Where smaller waters beat the much deserved popularity of that river is in tranquility. For example, you may fish in the Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area with seven miles of meandering meadow stream and encounter a fewer number of anglers than fingers on one hand. The Palisades Reservoir tribs offer a variety of fishing with McCoy Creek and its bank side terrestrial insect population attracting Snake River fine spotted cutthroat and a scattering of brown trout into action. The Big Elk Creek western green drake hatch is on going to offer some of the best afternoon fishing in the area. If you can hike several miles, Bear Creek is essentially untouched by anglers so far this season. Palisades Creek offers great riffle and run fishing for cutthroat trout ranging to trophy sizes. Use traditional dry fly and caddis life cycle patterns. Few places offer the physical beauty that the Teton River in the Basin offers along with great top water fishing with PMD, caddis and terrestrial insects convincing trout to rise. Morning and evening visits here minimize recreational boating activity. And if you are sturdy enough to descend to the where Bitch Creek converges to the Teton River in the canyon you could be the lone fly fisher present. Warm River Spring maintains high quality cool, clear water to the the river on downstream with its caddis and terrestrial inset population making for an active brook, brown and rainbow trout population. With its stair-step beaver ponds hosting numerous cutthroat trout, the South Fork of Tincup Creek beckons a visit.