Winter Fishing
Winter/Spring Fishing
by Bruce Staples
Big Boost for Winter and Early Spring Fishing in East Idaho! That big boost is the fact that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDF&G) has opened the entire South Fork reach of the Snake River (Palisades Dam to the Henry’s Fork confluence) to year-round fishing. This began on New Year’s Day, 2004 and is part of IDG&G’s fisheries plan to manage the South Fork in a manner that protects the native cutthroat trout population. IDF&G’s philosophy is that allowing a year-round take of rainbows will do much to control their numbers. Here are details that apply (only to the South Fork) with respect to keeping and releasing major trout species. Cutthroat trout are under a strict catch and release regulation. Brown trout under 16” must be returned alive to the stream, but two browns over 16” may be in the daily creel limit. There is no limit on creeling rainbow or cutthroat-rainbow hybrids. Thus no limit on rainbow and hybrid possession allows the angler to do much in controlling their numbers in the river. IDF&G suggests that if an angler does not reduce creeled rainbows to table fare, they will be appreciated as donations to local food kitchens. These can be reached in Idaho Falls by telephoning 557-5750 and 522-8465.
Research conducted by the IDF&G and angler observations indicate that the number of cutthroat trout in the South Fork are diminishing dangerously, particularly in the reach above Heise, Idaho that was formerly under a winter angling closure regulation. Major reasons for diminishing cutthroats in the river are the increasing rainbow trout population and the fact that both species spawn at approximately the same time and many times in the same places. Also, flow management practices from Palisades dam appear to favor rainbow spawning over cutthroat spawning. IDF&G is negotiating with water users to return flows, as much as possible, to a more natural profile to which the cutthroat are naturally adjusted. Note that South Fork tributaries remained closed as in the past to protect spawning cutthroats. Consult with current Idaho fishing regulations to determine when these waters open for fishing. All these management tools are meant to preserve the South Fork drainage Yellowstone cutthroat population which along with those in the Upper Yellowstone River drainage are the largest remaining in the world.
Strategies for fly-fishing success on this newly opened reach are taking shape. With increasing snow melts, more places to launch boats for drift fishing and locations for wading access on the South Fork will be available. On “bluebird days” midge and blue winged olive emergences can provide great activity. Under low light conditions, such as cloudy days and early mornings and during evenings, presenting streamers and wet attractors into holding water can result in responses from large browns, hybrids and rainbows. Visit our shop or contact us (208-524-7160, [email protected] ) for up to date information on South Fork fly-fishing conditions and strategy details.
The South Fork is not the only eastern Idaho water open to anglers during winter and early spring. Birch Creek is designated “Family Fishing Water” and thus is open year round. This means also during winter, but at that time take special precautions for weather changes. Much of Springfield Reservoir remains ice-free through winter. The Henry’s Fork from its South Fork confluence upstream to the Vernon Bridge and from the Ashton Dam to the Riverside Campground is open to year-round fishing. Likewise the main stem Snake River throughout eastern Idaho is open to year-round angling. Both float fishing and wade fishing can be enjoyed on these waters. There are numerous waters in the region that are open to catch and release fishing during winter. Consult updated Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules to determine waters that open. Many of our still waters remain open to year-round angling, and as winter changes to spring become increasingly attractive to visit. Again, consult updated Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules to determine these. We have strategy information on all these waters, and we certainly will share this information with you. Visit us at 275 A Street, downtown Idaho Falls, or get in touch by phoning 208-524-7160, or electronically through [email protected].