Sunday, December 12, 2010

Winter Fishing on the Snake River - December 16th, 2010



South Fork
Winter is here but some of our area streams are still fishing well. The South Fork is offering some of the best water in the region. There is a lot of midge activity in the latter half of the day, and this is producing dry fly action in flats off of banks and in low gradient riffles. Kyrstal Midge Emergers (Size 18) and black Furimsky BDEs (Size 18 to 20) have been solid surface patterns, bringing up good sized cutthroats and browns. Nonetheless, it is midge and BWO nymph imitations, as well as mysis imitations, that are fishing the best, and doing so in the same water types that dry flies are producing. Day-2 Midges (Size 18), Ice Cream Cone Midge Nymphs (Size 16 to 20), RS-2 Nymphs (size 18 to 20), black Copper Johns (Size 16 to 18), cream CDC Bubbleback Nymphs (Size 16 to 18), Rainbow Warriors (Size 18), Lightening Bugs (Size 14 to 18) and Galloups Mysis (size 14 to 16) have been the most successful nymphs over the past couple of weeks.

One of the keys to decent activity at this time of year is to be focusing your attention at those times of the day when temperatures are climbing into the upper 30s. This can be key to getting fish to come NEAR the surface (not necessarily TO it). Yes, you can get activity at just over the freezing mark (34 degrees generally). But when you it 38 to 39 degree mark, you may notice a clear difference in action. This is especially the case when the water temps close in on 38 to 39 degrees.

If you are looking for something a little less aggravating than fishing small dries and nymphs on cold days, than try throwing a streamer on a floating or intermediate line. Brown trout on some of the reds are beginning to come out of the spawn and are pretty darn hungry. Smaller baitfish imitations like Clouser Minnows, Morrish Marabou Sculpins, and J.J. Specials (sizes 8 to 10) are the streamers we like to fish on the South Fork at this time of years as the browns begin to snap out of their spawning funk.


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Fly Fishing Report for November 30th, 2010

Temperatures have dropped and the snow is flying! Fishing can still be had in the area on nymphs when water and air temps climb into the mid to high 30s. The Snake and the South Fork should be the streams you concentrate on. Yes, most of the fish you will hook into are whitefish (which can be fun, you got to admit) but trout can get into the mix if you hit the right holding water with the right flies and in the right water conditions. Low stream flows this time of year, along with cold water temps, cause trout to pod up heavily in tight pieces of holding water. You will find them primarily in riffles, on flats, and in eddies that have some degree of recirculation. If you spot 'em, cast to them. Midges are the only flies that hatch with frequency this time of year, so think of using double rigs consisting of black Ice Cream Cone Midge Nymphs (size 16 to 18), black brassies (size 16 to 20), black or olive Copper Johns (size 16 to 18) and olive or gray Tungsten Midge Pupa (size 18 to 20). Little black and little brown stone nymphs will be getting active over the next couple of months. You can star targeting trout with solid Capnia imitations like the LBS (size 14 to 16) and Beadhead Pheasant Tails (size 14 to 16). There can a fair amount of action on mysis shrimp imitations on the South Fork (white or gray scuds, Ices Mysis, Boyles Shrimp, Lightening Bugs, and Rainbow Warriors, all in sizes 12 to 16), but for the most part it is midge larva and pupa that will work best.

If temperatures do warm up considerably (high 30s and into the 40s), you can get some activity on streamers. Articulated baitfish patterns like Silveys Sculpin Leech in gray, black or olive, or a Sex Dungeon in olive or natural are large enough, and have enough innate materials action, to aggravate even the most lethargic of trout. Strip these on a floating or intermediate line through podding fish and see what happens.

Other Waters

We don't mean to be too broad here, but there are a lot of waters that are in their prime at this time of year. Many of our guides and shop staff have returned from their annual autumn steelhead trips or guiding gigs, but some are staying out there to hit water that is still very much productive. Idaho's Clearwater and Salmon rivers still have a lot of action. In Oregon, December through January are can be good on the lower Rogue and the Umpqua rivers.

And of course, everyone will soon have saltwater on their mind. In December, the two destinations that come to mind are Baja for Roosterfish, snook, and dorado, and the Bahamas for bonefish. You also have warmwater destinations like the Amazon for Peacock Bass and Rio de la Plata for golden dorado. If you are in the Jackson Hole area, drop into Snake River Angler to get more info on these fishing possibilities and the gear you will need. And feel free to call us anytime for information and insight.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Fishing Report for November 11th, 2010

Tis' the season that steelhead fishing is on our minds and many of us have headed for the streams of British Columbia, Idaho, and the Pacific Northwest to get our fix. We have good reports coming back from the Clearwater, the Grande Ronde, and the Deschutes.

But keep in mind that, although winter is fast approaching and air and water temps are pretty low, we still have some very good fishing happening in our area. The Snake, the South Fork, and the Salt all have decent dry fly action at certain parts of the afternoon with imitations of blue-winged olives, micro caddis, October caddis, and mahogany duns. Furmimsky BDEs (size 16), Parachute Adams (size 14 to 16), Copper Hazes (size 14 to 16), Purple Hazes (size 14 to 16), Elk Hair Caddis (size 16 to 18), X-Caddis (size 16), and orange Stimulators (size 12) have been doing the trick when the surface action starts to happen. And as usual, the more overcast it is, the better it can be.

Nymphing continues to be solid throughout the day, but especially from 12 pm until dusk. trout are podding up in structure pools, eddies and riffles, and all it takes is a double nymph rig drifted through a couple of times to get a take. Later in the day, nymphs dropped 16 to 20 inches from a large dry attractors are working well in riffles. Black or red Copper Johns (size 14 to 16) and Tungsten Midge Pupa (size 14 to 16) in black or olive have been producing best.

But nothing says fishing in November like streamers. Streamers are not necessarily bringing in the numbers that nymphs are and dry flies can, but they are bringing in some very large fish. They can entice big cutthroat to strike out of sheer aggravation, especially those holding alongside a number of podding fish in riffles and eddies. This is also the case for brown trout on the South Fork and the Salt as they pod up for spawning.

And don't forget forget about other waters in our region that still have marvelous fishing this time of year. Montana's Beaverhead has been really good with streamers and large nymphs for this stream's big brown trout. The Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley and downstream of Livingston is also a good choice. It holds large browns and cutthroat that get pretty made when a baitfish imitation gets a little too close.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Fishing Report for October 31st, 2010

Snake River
The first snows of the coming winter season have fallen. Air temps are cool as are water temps and, while the dry fly action has constricted to about four hours in late afternoon, the dry fly fishing that we are getting can been very good. Blue-winged olives, tricos, and midges are the primary bugs on the water. Mahogany duns and micro caddis will also make an appearance when there is a little bit of precipitation. October caddis can also appear intermittently. Productive surface patterns include black or olive Furimsky BDEs (size 16 to 18), olive Stacked Wing BWOs (size 14 to 16), Mahogany Parawulffs (size 12 to 16), and cream Comparaduns (size 16 to 18). Riffles and seams are the hot targets, but don't forget to hit tail-outs on large stream-bound structure and banks, as well as shallow flats extending off of cobblestone banks.


Subsurface fishing is almost the only game in town in the morning and early afternoon. Lightening Bugs (size 16), black Copper Johns (size 16 to 18), black or gray Tungsten Midge Pupa (size 18 to 20), and long hackled Tungsten Hare's Ears (size 14) are working very well in moderate to deep riffles, along seams, and in confluence lines. You will have to weed your way through a lot of whitefish, but it is entirely possible to hook into some 17 plus inch cutthroat.


South Fork
Flows from Palisades Reservoir are down to 3,200 cfs. Fishing is tougher than it was a couple of weeks ago, but there is still some decent surface action along the entire length of the river from the Dam down to Lorenzo, especially from mid-afternoon until dusk. Blue-winged olives and tricos are the most prevalent bugs on the water, followed by mahogany duns on the wetter days. Parachute Adams (size 16 to 18), cream Furimsky BDEs (size 14 to 18), Mahogany Parawulffs (size 14 to 16), Copper Hazes (size 12 to 16), and Quigley Cripples (size 12 to 14) have been working very well during the few hours of dry fly action in shallow riffles and recirculating eddies.


Double nymph rigs have been doing very well in the morning in riffles, along banks, and in pools alongside structure. Lightening Bugs (size 12 to 16), Zug Bugs (size 14) and black or olive Copper Johns (size 12 to 16) have been very productive patterns over the past week.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Fly Fishing Report for October 22nd, 2010

Snake River
The best action on the Snake over the past week and a half has been subsurface with double nymph rigs and streamers. Zug Bugs and Prince Nymphs (size 12 to 14), olive or black Copper Johns (size size 12 to 14), Soft Hackle Pheasant Tails (size 14 to 16) and Soft Hackle Peacockle Princes (size 10 to 12) are working throughout the day on confluence lines, seams, and along the entire length of riffles. Heavy streamers on floating or intermediate lines are also working in similar water, but are definitely bringing in bigger cutthroats along banks and structure. Bright streamers such as the Zoo Cougar (size 4 to 6), rust Sex Dungeons (size 2 to 4), J.J. Specials (size 4 to 6), Beldar's Bugger (size 4 to 6), and gray-over-white Quad Bunnies (size 2 to 4) have been the most productive patterns. These streamers are not working consistently throughout the day, but when they are producing it is with some fairly large trout.


Dry flies are producing intermittently along banks and structure, but it is in side channels that we have had our best luck on the surface. Quigley Cripples (size 12), Mahogany emergers (size 12 to 14), and Snake Drake Emergers (size 10 to 12) fished solo have been the best patterns in this regard. The side channels running from Deadman's Bar down to South Park Bridge is where most of the action has been.

The coming low pressure system entering the area this coming weekend should make the surface action noticeably better.

South Fork
Releases from Palisades Reservoir are down to 4,000 cfs. While the dry fly fishing has been hit-or-miss, the subsurface action has been a bit more consistent. Riffles and eddies are working with Rainbow Warriors (size 16), red or black Copper Johns (size 12 to 16), Flashback Pheasant Tails (size 14 to 16) and San Juan Worms. These nymphs have been responsible for bringing in some big brown trout as of late that are holding in the tails of long riffles. Streamers are doing the same along banks and structure and on long, skinny-water flats in the Canyon and in the upper reach of the South Fork in Swan Valley. Some of our favorite streamers as of late on the South Fork are various color schemes of articulated Quad Bunnies (size 2 to 4), brown-over-yellow or olive-over-white Clouser Minnows (size 4 to 6), Silvey Sculpins (size 2) in gray or white, and Stacked Blondes (size 4).

As on the Snake, expect dry fly action on the South Fork to pick up significantly after this next cold front moves in thsi coming weekend.

A Note on Area Brown Runs
October is the month for brown runs in the Rocky Mountain West. Much attention is paid to what is happening on the Green and the South Fork, but don't forget about the lake run browns coming up the Madison River from Hebgen Lake, the Lewis River Channel from Lewis Lake, and the upper Snake from Jackson Lake. The Lewis Lake browns are in the channel at the moment and more are on there way. The Jackson Lake browns is a quick-tempo run that generally lasts only about two weeks before spawning begins en masse. That run generally starts later than most and should be right around the corner.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Fishing Report for October 12th, 2010

Snake River
Dry fly fishing on the Snake was showing signs of waning over the past week, but a recent low pressure system has chilled the water, sparked more intense hatches, and has allowed the Snake to get back to what it typically is this time of the year. PMDs, blue-winged olives, hecubas, and October caddis are all making appearances on the surface at different periods throughout the day. We are also seeing speckled-wing quills in bits and pieces. Quigley Cripples (size 12), Mahogany Emergers (size 12 to 14), orange Stimulators (size 10), white or gray Furimsky BDEs (size 12 to 14), and Parachute Hares Ears (size 12) are bringing up big cutthroat when fished as part of a tandem rig with a red Fat Albert (size 8 to 10), olive SRA Chernobyls (size 8), or a variety of Will's Winged Chernobyls (size 8 to 10).

While the entire river is fishing well, the best action is without question from Wilson Bridge down to Sheep Gulch in Bridger-Teton National Forest. Banks and structure and producing in the early part of the day from approximately 11 am to 1:30 pm, after which time riffles, seams, and confluence points begin to pick up with mayfly adult and emerger imitations. The river should fish well until dusk.

One additional point - The Snake is fishing well throughout the day with a double nymph rig or a hopper-dropper rig. Olive or black Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and Zug Bugs have been performing best. Consider using these nymphs in conjunction with a Pat's Rubber Leg or Parkins' Stone Nymph in the morning and fishing it until dry fly action picks up.

South Fork
Flows from Palisades Reservoir have dropped to 6,000 cfs and the fishing on the South Fork has brokn through its late September-early October lull. Action has picked up without a doubt. When the weather is overcast and a little on the wet side, expect to see tricos, BWOs, and a lot of mahogany duns. This will make riffles, recirculating eddies, and flats off of banks fairly active, especially in the afternoon. Mahogany Emergers (size 14 to 16), CDC BWOs (size 16), Purple Hazes (size 14 to 16), Copper Hazes (size 14 to 16) and olive or dun Parachute Adams (size 16 to 18) have been the best producers.

Subsurface flies are worth considering when the dry fly action isn't happening. San Juan Worms are working fine in all water types, but it is Lightening Bugs (size 14), Bubble Back BWO Nymphs (size 14 to 16), black Copper Johns (size 14 to 16), and Prince Nymphs (size 14 to 16) that can really hammer it home, especially in riffles and on long flats with a little depth to them. A variety of white, gray, or olive streamers fished at the tail end of riffles, along banks, and on flats are bringing in big browns that are prepping for the spawn.


Salt River
The Salt is low and clear and fishing well, especially when low pressure systems are in the area. Olive tricos have been the most prevalent bug on the water, and at times they can be quite prolific. Blue-winged olives and caddis can also be abundant at times. Fishing from the narrows to Etna and from Jackknife to Perks are two of the best reaches to hit at the moment. Get your mayfly nymph and adult patterns in close to undercut banks and fish them along the entire length of riffles with as long of a drift as possible. Expect strikes from big browns and cutthroats.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Fishing Report for October 3rd, 2010

Snake River
Incredible weather persists in western Wyoming and flows are dropping out of Jackson Lake Dam. The result is some good fishing on the Snake River. It can get tough at times with the warm air temperatures and the consistently high pressure system sitting over the area, But persistence can pay off big time. All sections of the river from Deadman's Bar down to Sheep Gulch are displaying decent dry fly action from approximately noon until dusk (around 7 pm currently). Holding water that is producing best include riffles, seam lines, and confluence points. Banks and structure become active as the day progresses and water temperatures warm. The most successful dry fly patterns include Royal Wulffs (size 12 to 14), Ausable Wulffs (size 12 to 14), Parachute Hare's Ears (size 10 to 12), Purple Haze (size 12), gold or orange Stimulators (size 10), gold or olive Parachute Hoppers (size 8 to 10), red Fat Alberts (size 8 to 10), Tara Xs (size 8 to 10), gold Chubby Chernobyls (size 10), SRA Chernobyls (size 8 to 10) in a variety of colors. Our guides have been fishing these as tandem dry rigs with the larger fly in lead and the smaller fly as a trailer.

In the morning hours from dawn until noon, the dry fly action has been slow. One should think seriously about throwing a double nymph rig or at least a hopper-dropper rig until serious surface action begins. The most successful nymphs include olive or black Copper Johns (size 12 to 14), Lightening Bugs (size 12), and long hackled Prince Nymphs (size 12 to 14). Fished in riffles and on seam lines, these nymphs have been fishing as good as dry flies later in the day.

South Fork
Flows out of Palisades Reservoir are at 6900 cfs and while the fishing is tough on the South Fork, one can still have success if they fish hard in the right water at the right times and with the right tackle. The upper section in Swan Valley and the upper part of the canyon are fishing best of all. Nymphing is good in the morning hours fished as hopper-dropper rigs along banks and structure. In the afternoons, dry fly action picks up in riffles, seams, and along banks and structure. Tandem rigs featuring large dry flies trailing small mayfly imitations are working well from mid-afternoon until dusk, although there are days when the dry fly fishing picks up earlier. Amongst the best producing dry flies are Bosworth Fenzys (size 8), gold or red Chubby Chernobyls (size 8 to 10), peach Will's Winged Chernobyls (size 10), Quigley Cripples (size 12), Mahogany Emergers (size 12), and Ausable Wulffs (size 12 to 14). Side Channels are still fishing well but imitative patterns are a must as is lighter leader to get into the spooky trout inhabiting them at the moment. Think about using Pheasant Tail Emergers and CDC Bubble Back Emergers. No matter where you fish, the takes have been excruciatingly slow over the past three weeks, so be on the ball with you hook sets.

And one last point - whether you are on the Snake or the South Fork, take a moment to look up from the water to take in the fall colors. It is absolutely gorgeous right now.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Fly Fishing Report for September 23rd, 2010


Snake River

The Snake continues to fish well as we get further into autumn. All of the bugs we associate with this time of year - September stoneflies, mahogany duns, hecubas, and October caddis - are on the water, as are PMDs and some remaining grasshoppers. This is the best fishing of the year and the Snake is living up to the hype it usually gets. While the upper reaches in Grand Teton National Park are producing good results, it is the lower reaches from Wilson Bridge down through the Canyon in Bridger Teton National Forest that are fishing best of all. Riffles are producing with small mayfly imitations like Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 14), Quigley Cripples (size 12 to 14), Copper Hazes (size 12 to 14), Parachute Hare's Ear (size 10 to 12), and Furimsky BDEs (size 12 to 14) in rust and olive. Banks and structure are also producing with yellow or orange Stimulators (size 10), SRA Chernobyls (size 10) in rust or peach, Tara Xs (size 8 to 10)and Chubby Chernobyls (size 8 to 10). These patterns have been very effective in the morning hours - roughly 8 am to 11 am - when surface action is limited. No doubt these flies are being taken as Claassenia stoneflies, which have really come on strong over the past week or so.


South Fork

Fishing has become a bit more difficult on the South Fork over the past week and a half but it is still worth fishing but to the big cutthroats and browns that can be taken at the moment. Mornings have been slow with action picking up in the afternoon generally, but don't be surprised if the morning produces better than afternoons on some days. Mornings have been productive with large stonefly and hopper imitations such as Chubby Chernobyls (size 8 to 10) with trimmed wings, Rubber Legged Double Humpies (size 8), Fat Alberts (size 10) and Kasey's Creature (size 8 to 10). We are fishing these primarily along banks and in the skinny water extending off of banks. In the afternoons, we are targeting the same water with the same flies but fished as a tandem rig with small mayfly or caddis imitations. These flies, as well as emergers such as Q's Loop Wing Cripple (size 12 to 14), Quigley Cripples (size 12), and Bootie's Mahogany Emerger (size 12 to 14) are fishing well in riffles and eddies throughout the afternoon. Takes have been subtle even amongst the brown trout, so be on your toes with your hook sets.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Fly Fishing Report for September 13th, 2010

Snake River

The Snake is low and gin clear and is now experiencing the best fishing of the season. September and October are the prime time months on the Snake and so far this season has not disappointed. Wilson to South Park has some of the best fishing at the moment, as does the Canyon stretches from South Park down to Sheep Gulch. The typical autumn smorgasbord of flies are about with Claassenia stoneflies, PMDS, October caddis, micro caddis, and mahogany duns on the water most days. When the weather turns a bit cloudy and wet, you should expect to see hecubas and some BWOs out as well.

Riffles, confluence points, and seams are the bread and butter now with mayfly and caddis imitations. Parachute Adams and Parachute Hare's Ears (size 10 to 16), Quigley Cripples (size 12), Split Wing Cripples (size 12 to 14), gray or purple Parawulffs (size 12 to 14) and Elk Hair Caddis (size 14 to 16) have been amongst the most productive flies coming out of our shop. On sunny and warmer days, big dry flies have been working well and bringing up big cutthroat when fished close to banks and structure. Melon Bellies (size 8 to 10), BSF Stones (size 8), Kasey's Creature (size 8 to 10), and a variety of Will's Winged Chernobyls (size 8 to 10) are working best. Skirting these flies have worked better than a dead drift at times, so do both.

South Fork

Its usually either very good or a bit tough with little in between on the South Fork in September. This September it has been very good. Big dries are working on banks and structures and small mayfly imitations are killing it in riffles and eddies. PMDs are about, as are a variety of caddis and some of the mutant stones. And despite killing frosts, you can still hear hoppers on the banks.

The upper reaches of the South Fork from Palisades Dam down to Cottonwood Flats have been fishing better than the lower half. Most of us have been fishing Will's Winged Chernobyls (size 8 to 10), Bareback Riders (size 10), olive or red PMXs (size 8 to 10), and IdylWilde Stones (size 10) and having luck in pocket water along banks and structure with big browns and cutthroat. In riffles and eddies, the most successful flies have been Halo Emergers (size 12 to 16), Pink Sulfur Emergers (size 16), olive or tan Snowshoe Hare Duns (size 14), Mahogany Dun Emergers (size 14 to 16), and Carlson's Copper Haze (size12 to 14). These flies are bringing up big Cutthroats and rainbows. Big trout on small dries in autumn - there is nothing better in the Rocky Mountain West.

Salt River

When the weather is chilly and the sky is overcast or cloudy, the Salt River is a great place to be. Caddis and PMDs and speckled-wing quills will be on the water and cutthroats and browns will be coming to the surface for them. X-Caddis, U-Con Caddis, Parachute Adams, Cahill Wulffs, Air-Flo Cahills, and Q's Loop Wing Cripples, all in a variety of colors and sizes ranging from 12 to 16, are working like a charm. There are lots of small trout ranging from 8 to 14 inches, but we are also seeing some big fellas well over 18 inches.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Fly Fishing Report for Sept. 2nd 2010

Snake River
Cooler and wetter weather is now in the area, and that means that the Snake is beginning to fish very well with dry flies. In fact, you might say that it is off the charts. Yes, streamers are working magnificently, but this is the time of the year when the Snake River gets its reputations as some of the best dry fly fishing river in North America. Claassenia stoneflies, hecubas, micro caddis, and infrequen PMDs are all on the water and the cutthroat are rising to just about anything that imitates them. If it cools down enough, expect to see BWOS. Mahogany Duns and October caddis are just around the corner.

The lower river from Wilson Bridge down to Sheep Gulch remains the best part of the river in terms of fishing, but the upper part of the river from Pacific Creek to downstream to Wilson Bridge is fishing very well with streamers along banks and structure and in riffles with small dry flies and emergent patterns. The most productive flies have been olive or rust Morrish Sculpins (size 4 to 6), black-over-gray Quad Bunnies (size 4 to 6), Parachute Hare's Ear Ribbed (size 12); Brown Drake Emerger (size 10 to 12); Quigley Cripple (size 12) and the Pheasant Tail Emerger (size 12 to 14). If you have the chance to fish a side channel, do it! It can be very good water to target when the weather is right.

Keep an eye on the water temps. We have been fishing streamers in the morning until the water temps hits 54 degrees. It is at that point that the PMDS and hecubas really start to come out. You can fish dry flies exclusively from then on for the rest of the day.


South Fork
Like the Snake, the South Fork has benefited from the recent change in the weather. The riffles have been where the action is, but they have really come alive over the past week. Recirculating eddies and seams are also producing well. This is especially the case from the Dam at Palisades downstream to Byington. Parkins' PM Muskrat (size 14), Pink Sulfur Emerger (size 14 to 16), Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 16),cream or white Snowshoe Duns (size 14), and Parachute Adams (size 14 to 16). Nymphs are working in the riffles and along seams and confluence lines during the later part of the day. Try an olive or black Copper John (size 12), Zug Bug (size 12 to 14), or a Lightening Bug (size 14).

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Fly Fishing Report for August 23rd, 2010

Snake River
The Snake continues to fish very well. However, the warm temps and low flows (releases at Jackson Lake Dam are below 1,700 cfs currently) in the drainage has meant that the dry fly activity has narrowed a bit. The best surface action currently is from approximately 9:30 am to 2 pm with trout being taken on Quigley Cripples (size 10 to 12), Ausable Wullfs (size 12), yellow Stimulators (size 10 to 12), Melon Bellys (size 8 to 10), Tara Xs (size 8 to 10), purple or gold Chubby Chernobyls (size 8 to 10), and Will’s Red Ants (size 8 to 12). These patterns have been effective because they are taking advantage of the prevalent bugs on the water currently, especially PMDs and caddis. We are also seeing more and more Claassenia stoneflies, which generally make their appearance at the end of August.

To compensate for the lack of action in the afternoon, many of our guides have been turning to double nymph rigs. Yes, this is almost considered sacrilege on the Snake at this time of year, but we are having very good results with it. It is simply producing consistent size – 17 to 19 inch cutthroat – throughout the latter half of the day.

Best sections to fish – we would have to say South Park to Prichard Landing has been the most consistent. Pacific Creek to Deadmans Bar is also good, as is Wilson to South Park.

South Fork
The South Fork is fishing well, but the lower flows (releases at Palisades Dam – approximately 9,000 cfs), warm water temps and amount of fishing pressure is making the fishing a bit tougher than it has been over the past six weeks or so. A little perseverance and ingenuity can go a long way in making the fishing seem to be as good as it was all season.

PMDS, caddis, and Claassenia stoneflies are about currently, and the former two generally means that the riffles are the best place to fish. This is the case currently, but straight-up adult patterns are not necessarily bringing the fish up. Instead, the best action is happening on emergent patterns and in-the-film flies. The best flies in this regard have been Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 14 to 16), Pink Sulfur Emergers (size 14 to 16), and Perkins’ PM Muskrat Nymph (size 12 to 16). The pools below the riffles are also fishing well with deep nymphs – olive Copper Johns (size 12), Bubbleback Pheasant Tail Nymphs (size 16), Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymphs (size 12 to 14), and Rainbow Warriors (size 16).

Banks and structure are producing trout every now and then with large attractors and hopper imitations, but the best action with these flies have been on flats extending off of banks and on confluence lines between main current channels and small inlets. in the past week we have picked up cutthroat ranging from 18 to 21 inches on this water type.

Best Sections - It is a toss up between the upper South Fork in Swan Valley and the Upper Canyon.

Salt River

Fishing is good on the Salt but the window is tightening as it seems to always do this time of year. Flows are fluctuating between 400 and 500 cfs. The best action is early, between 8 am and 12 pm. Tricos, speckled-wing quills, and infrequen PMDs are the most active bugs on the water at this time of the day, as are some terrestrials, particularly grasshoppers and carpenter ants. Dry fly action has been happening on Air-Flo Cahills (size 14), Ausable Wulffs (size 12-14), Parachute Adams (size 12-16), black Furimsky BDEs (size 16), red SRA Chernobyl Ants (size 10), and brown over salmon Snake River Water Walkers (size 10 -12). In the afternoon, dry fly action slows, but some large cutthroat and brown trout are being taken on nymphs fished as a dropper rig with small attractors. The most productive nymphs have been black or olive Copper Johns (size 14 - 16), Robins (size 14), and Lightening Bugs (size 12 - 14).

Flat Creek
Just in time for late August, the fishing on Flat Creek is becoming challenging. The fishing can be rewarding, however, as the cutthroat being taken on nymphs and small dries are exceedingly large. Cutthroat up to 23 inches have been taken in the early morning and late evening hours on the creek in the vicinity of the National Fish Hatchery. The best flies have been Parachute Hare's Ears (size 16), Parchute Hoppers (size 10 - 12), Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 14 - 16), Day Two Emergers (size 16), BH Hare's Ears Nymph (size 14), Bloody Marys (size 14 - 16), and Rainbow Warriors (size 18). Fish these close to the undercut banks and deep riffles on 6X fluorocarbon, and be prepared to muscle the cutthroat away from structure and collapsed sod. Most likely you will break the fish off, but if you can land them, it is something to behold.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Fly Fishing Report for August 13th, 2010

South Fork
The South Fork remains the place to be - big trout coming up to dries on riffles, seam and eddy lines, and along banks and structure. Releases from Palisades Reservoir are at approximately 10,000 cfs, which is almost perfect for this time of year. The upper portion of the river in Swam Valley is now fishing as solidly on dries as the rest of the South Fork. The hot time periods are from approximately 11 am until early evening (6 am or so).

The primary bugs we are seeing on the water is similar to what we typically see in August - PMDs in riffles and seams, and grasshoppers and other terrestrials (beetles, ants, etc.) along banks and structure. Perkins' PM Muskrat (size 12 to 14); Pink Sulfur Emergers (size 14 to 18), Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 14), Quigley Cripples (size 12 to 14), Thorax PMDs (size 12 to 14), PMD Sparkle Duns (12 to 16), and pink Sparkle Duns (size 12 to 16) have been working very well in riffles and along seams. We are at times fishing a tandem dry rig consisting of an adult pattern as the lead and a cripple or emerger as the trailer.

On the banks and along structure terrestrials and large attractors are bringing big cutthroats and cutthroat to the surface. Grand Hoppers (size 6 to 10), olive or yellow Popper Hoppers (size 6 to 10), Dave's Hoppers (size 8), Circus Peanuts (size 8 to 10), South Fork Chernobyls (size 8 to 10), and Will's Winged Chernobyls (size 8 to 10) in olive, gold, and black have been out performing most other flies when targeted at this water. But nothing is bringing the big fish up like a purple Snake River Water Walker size 6 to 8). This pattern has been responsible for at least four cutthroat and browns over 20 inches on the upper South Fork over the last week. Yes, we are giving these all flies movement with twitches and skitters, but trout are taking them with dead drifts as well.

Nymphing is obviously working well, but a double rig is overkill at this point of the season. We have been using a simple dropper with the large dry flies, particularly in the morning and into late afternoon.



Snake River

Dry fly fishing is the name of the game on the Snake at the moment. You can get into hefty numbers on almost any section of the river that you fish, but most of the size is being found on the upper portion of the river above Moose Bridge. The best action is coming from approximately 10:30 am to 5 pm. Water temperatures are climbing significantly throughout the day and are hitting 65 degrees by early evening. This should change, however, as the forecast over the coming weeks call for overnight lows to be in the low to mid-40s, an improvement over what we have experienced over the past month or so.

PMDS, yellow sallies, caddis, and grasshoppers are emerging intermittently throughout the day, allowing anglers to have success on a wide variety of patterns. Tara Xs (size 8 to 10), Circus Peanuts (size 10), gold, purple, or salmon Snake River Water Walkers (size 6 to 12), Will's Red Ant (size 10), olive Popper Hoppers (size 8 to 10), rust Ausable Wulffs (size 12), olive X-Caddis (size 12), peacock or tan Elk Hair Caddis (size 10 to 12), Quigley Cripples (size 12 to 16), yellow Stimulators (size 10 to 12), and Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 12 to 16).

There have been some unconfirmed reports of mutant stoneflies (Claassenia sabuloa) in the canyon section of the river. This is a sure sign that our wonderful fall fishing is approaching fast.


Salt River
The Salt River has been offering some surprisingly good dry fly fishing despite water flows dropping below 500 cfs and warming water temps. What is most surprising is that the surface action has been occurring during longer periods of time each day than one would expect, from approximately 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. The most prevalent hatches have been infrequen PMDs, tan tricos, and micro-caddis. Grasshoppers and flying ants are also about. Cutthroat and brown trout are coming to the surface primarily for smaller attractors and terrestrial imitations - Circus Peanuts (size 10 to 12), tan over red Will's Winged Chernobyl (size 10 to 12), Jimmy-Zs (size 12) and olive or tan Parachute Hoppers (size 10). But trout are also coming up for mayfly and caddis imitations, particularly tan and black Elk Hair Caddis (size 16 to 18), Quigley Cripples (size 12 to 16), Minimal Mayflies (size 12 to 16), and Parachute Adams (size 14 to 18).

Nymphing is producing as well throughout the day. We have been fishing nymphs as part of a dropper system with the most productive nymphs being Rainbow Warriors (size 16 to 18), Lightening Bugs (size 16), Flashback Pheasant Tails (size 12 to 14), and red or black Copper Johns (size 16 to 18). We are fishing these with 18 to 24 inches of leader from the surface fly to the dropper.





Flat Creek
Some big cutthroat have been taken on Flat Creek over the past week. A few have cleared 24 inches. Of course, the fishing is getting tougher as August gets longer and these fish get more acquainted to the anglers stomping around on the banks, but it is still worthwhile to get out there and sight-cast to these big, wonderful cutties. Grasshopper are becoming more frequent, but it is really callibaetis, tricos, infrequen PMDs, and caddis that the fish are focusing on most. Pink Sulfur emergers (size 14 to 16), unweighted Pheasant Tail Nymphs (size 16 to 18), gold-ribbed Hare's Ear Nymphs (size 16), and Air-Flo Cahills (size 12 to 14) are fishing best along undercut banks and at the head of deep riffles. But small attractors are working as well, primarily South Fork Chernobyls (size 10 to 12) and black over peacock Will's Winged Chernobyls (size 12).

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Great Dry Fishing Fishing Continues - Snake River Update for August 3rd, 2010

South Fork
The South Fork continues to offer terrific fly fishing throughout all of the reaches from Palisades Reservoir down to Lorenzo. Flows from Palisades are currently at just under 12,000 cfs. The primary hatch activity are yellow sallies, PMDs, and a variety of caddis in the early morning and the evening. The Canyon of the South Fork and the lower South Fork down to Lorenzo remain best for dry fly fishing with big browns and cutthroats coming in on Red Butt Sallies (size 10 to 12), Quigley Cripples (size 12), Pink Sulfur Emergers (size 14 to 16), gray Comparaduns (size 12), olive X-Caddis (size 12), and black Furimsky BDEs (size 10-14). Yes, big trout are coming up for larger attractor/hopper/stone fly patterns, but not near to the degree that they are taking the smaller, more imitative patterns. Target riffles, seams, and eddy lines with the patterns mentioned above.


The upper reach of the South Fork from the Dam down to Conant Valley continues to fish well with nymphs but dry fly fishing now much more consistent, especially from Power Line Riffle down to Spring Creek Bridges. Use the patterns listed above and target the same types of holding water.

Snake River
The Snake River is crystal clear and should be this way for the rest of the season except for the days following any torrential downpours. It is safe for us to say that the entire river is fishing solid from Jackson Lake Dam down to Sheep Gulch. The best action has been from roughly 11 am to 4 pm, a time period when water temperatures are relatively ideal (running from 53 degrees to 62 degrees). The warm weather we are experiencing is driving water temps up and making the fishing difficult from late afternoon until early evening (roughly 7:30 pm).

Dry fly fishing gets better by the day with lots of juvenile fish (11 inches and under) being taken in riffles and eddies on Quigley Cripples (size 12 to 14), Parachute Adams (size 12 to 16), Snowshoe Hair Wing Duns (size 12 to 14), and Elk Hair Caddis (size 12 to 16). These patterns are also picking up larger trout up to 19 inches in riffles, but also along structure and in side channels with defined riffles features.

Large attractors, particularly red or purple Chubby Chernobyls (size 8 to 10), gold or salmon Snake River Water Walkers (size 8-12), and red or purple Will's Winged Chernobyls (size 10), are bringing in big trout along banks and structure, but these are working primarily in the morning and shutdown before noon. We are continuing to fish these larger bugs in the afternoon, but doing so as part of a tandem rig with a smaller, more imitative pattern.

Flat Creek and Blacktail Ponds

Flat Creek and Blacktail Ponds opened up on August 1st and, while certainly crowded throughout the day, both are offering very good opportunities for hooking into large cutthroat, some in the 20 to 22 inch range. Olive, black or gray X-Caddis (size 14) and olive or gray Comparaduns (size 16-18), have been the most successful patterns coming out of our shop. The is no doubt that these flies are imitating emergent caddis and infrequen PMDs which are hatching on both pieces of water throughout much of the day in at least an intermittent fashion. It is hard to suggest a good time to be on Flat Creek and Blacktail. While we are focusing much of our attention at these waters in the morning (dawn until 10 am) and the evening (6 pm to sundown), the fact is that mid-day fishing has been fairly strong as well. If the dry fly action slows down, don't be afraid to go subsurface with a Pink Sulfur Emerger (size 16 to 20) or a lightly weighted Hare's Ear Nymph (size 16-18). These flies will be less than four inches under the surface and, frankly, the subsurface takes are easy to see and just as fun as anything that happens directly on the surface.

Green and New Fork Rivers

The Green and New Fork are dropping fast and currently stand at just under 400 cfs. Both are fishing well but the windows of opportunity have narrowed to just a couple of hours in the morning (roughly 8 am to 12 pm) and the evening (roughly 6 pm to sundown). It is large attractors and mayfly imitations that are bringing larger browns to the surface - Rubber Legged Double Humpies (size 8), Will's Red Ant (size 10 to 8), gold or purple Chubby Chernobyls (size 8 to 10), Tara Xs (size 8), Parachute Adams (size 10 to 14), and gray Quad Drakes (size 10 to 14).

When the windows of dry fly fishing closes in the afternoon, grabby fish can be picked up on double nymph rigs consisting on a Pat's Rubber Leg or a Perkins' Stone Nymph trailing a Zug Bug (size 12 to 16), 20-Incher (size 16), Lightening Bug (size 12 to 14), or Flashback Pheasant Tail (size 10 to 14). This rig fished close to banks and structure are doing the trick. Riffles, however, have been quite inconsistent with this nymph rig.


Salt River
Flows on the Salt River are at approximately 450 cfs and is producing solid hatches of PMDs and caddis. It is fishing well along deep banks, seams, and at the tail end of riffles with mayfly imitations and, to a lesser degree, large attractors. The most productive patterns have been Parachute Adams (size 12-16), Quigley Cripples (size 14), Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 12 to 14), Circus Peanuts (size 10 to 12), and Will's Red Ants (size 12). The lower sections of the Salt from Jackknife down to McCoy Creek are fishing best.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Fly Fishing Report for July 25th, 2010

South Fork
The South Fork continues to offer some of the best fishing in the region. Yes, the salmon fly hatch is a bust for the most part, but there are strong emergences of yellow sallies and PMDs. The lower section of the Canyon of the South Fork and the lower South Fork from Byington down to Lorenzo is as good as it gets with dry flies. Big attractors - Chubby Chernobyls (size 8 to 10), South Fork Chernobyls (size 8 to 10), and gold or olive Will's Winged Chernobyls (size 8) - are bringing up large trout along undercut banks and partially submerged structure. Patterns imitating PMDs and yellow sallies are working in riffles, eddies and on seam lines and confluence points. The most successful patterns have been Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 14), ILRs (size 12 to 14), Quigley Cripples (size 12-16), Parachute Cahills (size 12-14), Tailwater Humpies (size 12), Red Butt Sallies (size 10- to 12), and yellow Stimulators (size 10 to 12).


On the upper portion of the South Fork below Palisades Reservoir, big trout are being caught on double nymph rigs consisting of Pat's Rubber Legs trailing Rainbow Warriors (size 16), Prince Nymphs (size 12 to 14), and black or green Copper Johns (size 10 to 12). However, dry fly activity is picking up significantly with small flies imitating PMDs, prairie caddis, and yellow sallies - Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 12-14), CDC Caddis Emergers (size 12), Pink Sulfur Emergers (size 14-16), and Red Butt Sallies (size 12). Target these flies in the heads and tail end of riffles, in deep troughs and along shallow seams and eddy lines.



Green and New Fork Rivers
Both the Green and the New Fork are holding steady at around 600 cfs. Dry fly fishing is solid on each with yellow Stimulators (size 10 to 12) and Quad Quill Drakes (size 10) to match the impressive hatches of yellow sallies, gray drakes, and inermis PMDs. But the best action has been on big attractors fished close to banks and structure. Patterns such as the Melon Belly (size 8 to 10), red or purple Rubber Legged Double Humpies (size size 8), and gold or salmon colored Snake River Water Walkers (size 8 to 10) are producing browns clearing 20 inches when fished tight to banks and structure. The catch is that the windows of surface activity have tightened up considerably, somewhere between 2 and 3 hours in generally ending sometime by early afternoon.

If the trout on the Green and the New Fork are getting finicky, try fishing a Quigley Cripple (size 10 to 12) or a Halo Emerger (size 12) in slow riffles and along slow banks.



Snake River
The Snake is getting better by the day with large fish coming to the surface on every section. Large dries are doing well with Circus Peanuts (size 8 to 10) and Tara Xs (size 8 to 10)bringing trout to the surface along banks and on the downstream ends of structure. Yellow sallies and caddis dominate as hatches currently and are being matched with yellow Stimulators (size 10) and Elk Hair Caddis (size 10 to 12). These flies are bringing up bigger trout in riffles and along seams and confluence lines. Its a great start to a river that will no doubt take off in August and into September.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Its Dry Fly Time! - Fly Fishing Report for July 15, 2010

South Fork


Flows from Palisades Reservoir are holding steady at 12,500 cfs and fishing has been solid on most of the South Fork. Dry fly action is best from Cottonwood down to Menan. The green drake activity is beginning to wane but salmon flies are about, as are strong hatches of yellow sallies and PMDs. Banks, riffles, seams, and structure are producing good sizes of browns and cutthroats rising to tandem dry fly rigs. The most productive patterns have been Chubby Chernobyls (size 8), South Fork Chernobyls (size 8), Wills Twisted Stone (size 8-10), Tara X's (size 8), Melon Bellies (size 8-10), yellow Stimulators (size 10), Perkins PM Muskrat Emerger (size 12), gray Parawulffs (size 12), and Q's Loop Wing Cripple (size 12-14). Our tandem rig is consisting of the large attractor as the trailer and the smaller PMD/yellow sallie imitation as the lead fly. This allows us to place the large fly closer to banks and structure.

On the upper South Fork from the Dam down to Cottonwood, dry fly action is picking up but nymphing still reigns supreme. A standard South Fork double nymph rig consisting of a Pat's Rubber Leg or Perkins Stone Nymph leading a San Juan Worm, Prince Nymph (size 12), Lightening Bug (size 12), or Rainbow Warrior (size 14) is working best when fished in riffles, on confluence lines, and in eddies and seam lines.





Snake River

The Snake is dropping fast and has cleared significantly over the past week. It is safe to say that the entire river is fishing well, and fishing well with dry flies. Most of the trout are small cutthroat under 12 inches, but we are seeing more and more larger cutthroat coming to the surface over the past several days. The current hatches we are experiencing are as broad as ever. Yellow Sallies, caddis, PMDs, speckled-wing quills, gray drakes, and golden stones are everywhere. We are even seeing some yellow quills in the canyon section of the Snake. Riffles have been hot with Red Butt Sallies (size 12), Quigley Cripples (size 12), Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 12-14), Elk Hair Caddis (size 12-14), and yellow Humpies (size 10-12). Along banks and structure, larger attractors like Circus Peanuts (size 8-10), gold or yellow Snake River Water Walkers (size 8-10), red SRA Chernobyls (size 10), Tara X's (size 8-10), and Will's Red Ant (size 10) are working well and bringing up larger and larger fish everyday.





Green River

The Green has dropped significantly and is crystal clear. It is for the most part fishing well, but sizes and numbers vary depending on where one is fishing. The campground sections above Warren Bridge are fishing strong with dries from browns and rainbows from 12 inches to 17 inches. The middles sections from Warren Bridge to Daniel Bridge have been fishing spotty with dries and nymphs but there is a possibility for hooking into 20-plus inch browns along many of the undercut banks. The best fishing currently is from Daniel Bridge to Piney Cutoff. Hook up numbers are not through the roof, but multiple 20-plus inch trout can be caught in a day and expect a healthy number of 17 inch to 19 inch trout as well. The key is to fish VERY tight to banks with big attractors like Tara X's (size 8-10), Wills Red Ant (size 6-10), red Rubber Legged Double Humpies (size 8), Bearback Riders (size 8), Mega Beetles (size 6-8), gold or purple Wills Winged Chernobyls (size 8), and SRA Chernobyls (size 8). Riffles will work mid-day - 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - with Quigley Cripples (size 10 to 12), Paratrooper Drakes (size 10 to 12), and Rusty Spinners (size 10 to 12).

Streamer fishing is still working well , especially in the morning from approximately 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Like the large dry flies we are throwing, streamers will need to be in tight to banks and structure. Strip them back with a short, fast retieve. Most productive streamers: think white! - Stacked Blondes (size 6), Clouser Minnows (size 4), and Bow River Buggers (size 4 to 6).

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Fly Fishing Report - July 7, 2010

Snake River

The Snake is clearing fast and with it is coming better dry fly action. Yellow sallies, PMDs, and speckled-winged quills are about on most stretches of water. The tailwater section from Jackson Lake Dam to approximately 2.5 miles below the Buffalo Fork remains clear and is fishing best of all in riffles and along banks with Pheasant Tail Emergers (size 14), black Airflo Tricos (size 16), and yellow Stimulators (size 12). Below the Buffalo Fork, the river is off color but cutthroat are being taken on large attractors like Rubber Legged Double Humpies (size 8), Will’s Red Ant (size 6-8), and Electric Banana Snake River Water Walkers (size 8). The surface action is by no means over the top, but it is enough to keep a fly fisher interested. Better dry fly action is just around the corner.

South Fork

Dry fly action is finally starting to happen on the lower South Fork from Wolf Flats down to Lorenzo. Salmon flies are appearing but they are over shadowed by heavy hatches of green drakes that are all over the river. Riffles, flats, and undercut banks are producing with Tilt-Wing Green Drakes (size 10), Green Drake Emergers (size 10), and green Hangdy Downdy Emergers (size 10). 18” to 19” cutthroat and browns are not out of the questions.

On the upper stretch of the South Fork from Palisades Reservoir down to Wolf Flats double nymphs rigs still rule the day. Pat’s Rubber Legs (size 6-10), San Juan Worms, 20-Inchers (size 12), Lightening Bugs (size 12-14) and Blue Tungstens (size 10-12) are doing the trick when fished tight to banks and deep in riffles and along seams.

Green River

The Green has dropped precipitously over the past few days and is beginning to fish very well. On the upper Green, large dry flies like the Circus Peanut (size 6-8), Will’s Purple Ant (size 8), and red Rubber Legged Double Humpies (size 8) are bringing up large browns, some clearing the 20” mark. This action is almost exclusively on banks with very little activity anywhere else. The lower Green – from Daniel down to Sommers – has very little by way of dry fly action but nymphs rigs are doing well along banks and seams. Pat’s Rubber Legs (size 6-10), San Juan Worms, long hackled Prince Nymphs (size 12), Zug Bugs (size 10-12) and red or black Copper Johns (size 10-12) have been producing best.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Fly Fishing Update - June 29th, 2010

South Fork
Releases from Palisades Reservoir have been at over 16,000 cfs for the past week. Fishing has been spotty on the upper have of the South Fork from the Dam down to Fulmer, but there is decent fishing from Fulmer down to the confluence with the Henry's Fork. It has been nymphing almost across the board - San Juan Worms, Prince Nymphs (size 12-14), Zug Bugs (size 12), Cyclops (size 12-14), Lightening Bugs (size 10-12), and Pat's Rubber Legs (size 6-8). Many of us have been fishing our double nymph rigs with at least 9 ft. of leader from the indicator down to the lead fly and with double BB shot approximately one foot above the lead fly. Yes, this is leading to lots of snags, lost flies, and a fair amount of whitefish, but it is also getting to South Fork trout, most of which are holding and feeding deep under the current conditions.

One upbeat note for the South Fork - our guide on the lower South Fork from Heise to Lorenzo are picking up trout on stonefly nymphs fished close to banks and shallow structure. Perhaps we are seeing the salmon flies move towards the surface for emergence. Water temps have been topping out at 53 degrees on the lower South Fork, approaching that magic 56 to 59 degree temp needed for full-on emergence.

Snake River
The runoff on the Snake is beginning to recede but only the section of river from Jackson Lake Dam down to Pacific Creek is fishable. Releases from the dam are at 3,600 cfs. Trout are being taken on black or red Copper Johns (size 12-16) and Prince Nymphs (size 12-16). Lightening Bugs (size 12-16) and Rainbow Warriors (size 18) are also bringing in trout, but the are also hooking into a lot of whitefish. Riffles and submerged structure are producing the best. We are not seeing large cutthroat yet, but lake trout up to 20 inches are being taken.

We are seeing a little bit of dry fly action on this section of river, also. Adult blue-winged olives, PMDs, and caddis are making an appearance on the surface. But what little surface activity is occurring is happening on large dry flies like Parachute Adams (size 10), red SRA Chernobyls (size 10), and a variety of Will's Winged Chernobyl (size 8-10).


Green and New Fork Rivers
The Green and New Fork rivers are clearing but remain high and are receding slowly. This should be prime streamer time, but the spotty action that is taking place has been on nymphs, particularly Pat's Rubber Leg (size 8-10), Prince Nymphs (size 12-14), Zug Bugs (size 12), 20-Inchers (size 16), and LOF Pheasant Tails (size 14-16). Generally, it is riffles that have been producing in the mornings and banks and structure in the afternoon. Eddies and confluence points have not been performing well as of yet. On the New Fork, the two reaches running from Town to Boulder and Boulder to East Fork have been the most productive sections. On the Green, the reaches running from Warren Bridge to Hatchery and Hatchery down to Daniel Bridge have been the best.


Yellowstone National Park
Firehole River - We are seeing a lot of caddis and blue-winged olives on the water and a few yellow sallies. Most of the activity is below the surface on olive Copper Johns (size 14), long hackled Prince Nymphs (size 12-14), Biot Bugs (size 10-12), and Z-Wing Caddis Nymphs (size 14-16). But surface action is occurring with olive or gray X-Caddis (size 14-16), Tilt-Wing Caddis (size 14), and olive Hare's Ear Wulffs (size 14-16). Riffles running from stem-to-stern has been the the best producing piece of holding water.

Lewis Lake - Lewis Lake is still fishing well on the west shore flats with white Clousers (size 8), gray or olive Mohair Leeches (size 8-10), chartreuse over pearl Bend Backs (size 10), and Mallard Spiders (size 6-8). We are fishing these with Type 3 sink tips and picking up lake trout and brown approaching 20 inches.


Lewis River - Drakes are starting to appear at least intermittently on the Lewis River in the meadows below Lewis Falls. Most of the big browns on this section are being taken on drake nymph imitations (Flashback Pheasant Tails and Copper Johns in size 10). Surface action should begin to happen here within the next week or so.

Salt River
The Salt River is finally receding but is still muddy and very difficult to fish at the moment.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Fly Fishing Report for June 22, 2010

Snake River

The Snake is still in runoff but the tailwater stretch from Jackson Lake Dam down to Pacific Creek is crystal clear and fishing well with nymphs and streamers. Releases from JLD are at 1,500 cfs currently - almost ideal for this piece of water. Below the dam we are catching lake trout and cutthroat on white Bow River Buggers (size 6-8), gray over white Flash Fry (size 8), and Mallard Spiders (size 6). A fair number of these are running from 18 to 20 inches. Nymphs are working in downstream riffles and eddies. Lightening Bugs (size 12-14), red Copper Johns (size 12), and black Copper Johns (size 14-16) have been the most productive patterns.

South Fork

The South Fork is providing us with some of the best fishing in the region. Releases from Palisades Reservoir have dropped significantly from 22,000 cfs to 12,000 cfs. Double nymph rigs consisting of Pat's Rubber Leg and Perkins' PM Muskrat Nymph trailing San Juan Worms, Cyclops (size 10-14), and Lightening Bugs (size 10-12) is providing solid action from the upper reaches of the river - Palisades Creek - down to Byington. Fishing this setup along banks and structure is producing big browns. Over the past week, many of our guides have brought in browns over 19 inches each day, and some days with two or three at this length. 16 to 18 inch browns can be counted on throughout the day on most outings.

Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a great place to be right now. Much of the water open to fishing currently is producing well. The Firehole has a strong caddis and PMD hatch most days now that the water weather is upon us. Yellow sallies are also appearing on the water. Almost every riffle you can fish from Biscuit Basin down to below Midway Gyser has action. Olive or yellow Soft Hackles (size 12-16), long hackled Prince Nymphs (size 12-16), Zug Bugs (size 14-16), Lightening Bugs (size 16-18), and Rainbow Warriors (size 16-18) are amongst the best producing flies. Soft Hackles and Prince Nymphs are doing well when swung through the entire length of riffles. Surface activity has dwindled some over the last week, but can still be had on Parachute Adams (size 12-16), Elk Hair Caddis (size 14-18), and olive or black Furimsky BDEs (size 14-18).

The Madison is also fishing well, especially from 9 Mile Hole down to the Park entrance. Salmon flies are hatching among the upper reaches but browns and rainbows appear to be taking almost anything but salmon fly imitations, especially below the surface. Our guides have been using yellow or white Sex Dungeons (size 4) and yellow Flash Frys (size 4). Double nymph rigs consisting of Pat's Rubber Leg Stones or Perkins' Stone Nymphs suspending Prince nymphs (size 16), Soft Hackles (size 12-16), or olive Copper Johns (size 14-16) have been solid throughout the day. Madison bows' are taking the lead and trailing nymphs with similar consistency.

But it is the lakes that have been producing best of all. Both Yellowstone and Lewis Lake have come on strong over the past couple of weeks. Surface water temperatures on both are hovering between 49 and 52 degrees at mid-day. Large cutthroats (20 plus inches) are being taken on Yellowstone Lake in the shallow parts of thermoclines and "near" the mouths of tributaries. Lake trout and browns are cruising the flats of Brookie Bay and the West Shore bays on Lewis Lake and can be taken on size 8 Clousers (with olive or gray overbodies) and olive or gray Mohair Leeches (size 8). It is really something special to sight cast to these fish as they cruise the flats. A little piece of saltwater here in the Rockies. Type 3 to Type 8 sink tips is what we have been using. The most successful retrieves have been hard and fast.

Green and New Fork Rivers

The warmer temperature we have been experiencing over the last few days have increased the flows on these two rivers, but they still have at least two feet of visibility on most sections, especially those running from the Forest Srevice boundary down to Daniel Junction. Streamers are bringing in decent sized browns from 15 to 18 inches. Tan Zoo Cougars (size 4), tan or natural Sex Dungeons (size 4), Purple Passion Zonkers (size 8), and brown over white Quad Bunnies (size 4) have been performing best. As for nymphs, red San Juan Worms, Prince Nymphs (size 14) and 20-incher Nymphs (size 16) are doing very well in riffles and along submerged structure.

Salt River

The Salt is still in runoff and won't be fishable for our standards for quite another two weeks or so.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Lewis Lake Update - June 18th, 2010

Lewis Lake is starting to fish pretty very well. Lake trout and browns are up on the flats of Brookie Bay and the Westbank bays. Gray over white and olive over white Clouser on Type 6 and Type 8 sink tips have been nailing it! Olive Mohair Leeches are bringing in the lake trout cruising in the super shallow parts of the flats. The retrieve has been hard and fast. The lake trout have been averaging around 18 inches. The browns have been closer to 20 inches. Expect one brown for every five or six lake trout. Perhaps we will see the big 20-plus inch fish on the flats soon.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Fly Fishing Update for June 16th, 2010

Snake River

The Snake is receding but still remains in full runoff. The one fishable section of river is from Jackson Lake Dam down to Pacific Creek. The water below the dam is running much clearer than a week ago and flows have dropped to 4,000 cfs. This is good place to try bright streamers and standard nymphs, particularly San Juan Worms, Pat's Rubber Leg Stone, Prince Nymphs, and Zug Bugs. Most anglers in the area are hoping that releases from the dam will continue to drop or remain stable over the coming weeks. However, the Lake is at 97% capacity and if inflow into the lake begins to rise dramatically again (and inflow is currently on the rise), than we might see releases increase again.

South Fork

Releases from Palisades have dropped from 23,500 cfs to 19,000 cfs and will probably be held there or drop a little more over the next several days. We are only now beginning to put boats on the South Fork again. Last year, the South Fork fished surprisingly well at 19,000 cfs. We will soon no if this is the case this year.

Green River

The Green has been dropping significantly over the past few days and the clarity of the water is surprising. The result has been perhaps the best fishing to be found in the area. It is by no means on fire, but it is definitely worth fishing. Streamers are working OK, but it is nymphs that have been producing best of all - Sna Juan Worms, Flashback Pheasant Tails (size 10-12), Lightening Bugs (size 10-12), 20-Inchers (size 12-14), and Pat's Rubber Leg Stone (size 8). At times the strikes on these flies have been tentative. Relaxed hook sets have been compensating for this.

There has been dry fly activity later in the day as well. Caddis are everywhere, but the real action has been on large foam ant patterns - Willie's Red Ant (size 8), Foam Double Humpies (size 8), and Tara Xs (size 8). We are fishing these with a dropper extended 12 to 16 inches below the dry and using the nymphs listed above. Its not solid surface action yet, but it is some fun stuff and a nice change of pace from nymphing, at least for a couple of hours in late afternoon.

The best fishing has been found from Warren Bridge down to Daniel. Fishing is a little slower above the bridge and below Daniel. Flows are beginning to come up again slightly, which may make the fishing a bit more difficult.

Salt River

Still high and muddy and offering very little fishing.

Yellowstone National Park

Lewis Lake is almost completely clear of ice and as the water temps have increased, so too has the opportunity for good fishing. There are increasing opportunities for fishing Brookie Bay for cruising lake trout and brown trout. Sight fishing to these cruisers is beginning to happen more and more. We have been using white Clouser Minnows in sizes 6 to 8 and almost nothing else. The West Shore bays have also been fishing well with Clousers and, to a lesser degree, gray or light olive Mohair Leeches.

Flows on the Firehole River have been fluctuating from 150 and 300 cfs but is fishing really well with yellow Soft Hackles (size 10-12), Lite-Bright Serendipities (size 12-16), Prince Nymphs (size 12-14), and Zug Bugs (size 12-16). Caddis have been quite prevalent on the surface as have been blue-winged olives. When trout are coming to the surface, we are getting them on olive Parachute Adams (size 18) and ILRs (size 16).

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Fly Fishing Update for June 8th, 2010




South Fork

Flows have been going up over the past few days, from 8,000 cfs to 14,000 cfs, but that has only slightly slowed the fishing. Expect action along banks, structure, and in the riffles for at least part of each day. Sometimes it is the morning that has been good, sometimes it is the afternoon. The upper South Fork in Swan Valley is fishing best with streamers (gray over white Clousers and gray over white Zonkers, both is sizes 4 to 8) Prince Nymphs (size 12-14), and San Juan Worms. The Canyon sections are still fishing fine but are noticeably more off color because of the heavy runoff being experienced on Pine Creek.

The fish on the upper South Fork have been BIG. We are clearing the 18 inch mark each day and get a couple 20-plus inch browns is not out of the question. These photos are from a June 7th trip on the Upper South Fork with Gary and Geri Glenn.


Yellowstone National Park
The Firehole has been slightly more off-color than normal but is fishing well with the standard fare - olive and yellow soft hackles (size 12) swung throughout the entire length of riffles, red or copper Copper Johns (size 14-16), Rainbow Warriors (size 18), and Flashback Pheasant Tails (size 12-16). Biscuit Basin and Midway Geyser have been the hot spots, and surprisingly not a lot of angling pressure.
Lewis Lake is getting a little better access with melting surface ice but water temperatures have been a bit cooler than normal for this time of year. Our guides have been getting action with browns on Type 6 and Type 8 sink tips fishing olive or gray Mohair Leeches (size 8-10) and gray-over-white Kyrstal Buggers and Bow River Buggers (size 8).
Snake River

The Snake is in full runoff. Warm temps and heavy rains recently has sparked dramatic spikes in river flows throughout the region. Releases from Jackson Lake Dam have hit 10,000 cfs and flows at Alpine are at almost 25,000 cfs. It will be a while before we can fish the Snake, but as soon as flows from the dam hit 4,500 cfs, we will begin fishing that tailwater section running down to Pacific Creek.

Green and New Fork Rivers

Both these streams are in full runoff with flows exceeding 2,000 cfs. When they begin to recede and we get two feet of visibility, both the Green and the New Fork should starting fishing well with streamers and large, double nymph rigs.

Salt River

The Salt is deep into runoff. We won't be fishing this for some time.






Thursday, June 3, 2010

June 3rd 2010 Update - Time for a Switcheroo from B of R

The Bureau of Reclamation recently announced that they will begin ramping up flows out of Jackson Lake Dam over the next three days, bringing it up from 400 cfs to 1400 cfs. This change in operations is sparked by a recent and dramatic upsurge in runoff above Jackson Lake.

On Monday, June 7th, B of R will make an assessment to determine if additional released are required. Either way, things are moving in the right direction for fishing up there. The higher the flows at JLD, the better.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

June 2nd, 2010: Releases from Jackson Lake Dam to be Delayed

Due to the cooler weather in area over the past two weeks, the Bureau of Reclamation will delay their releases from Jackson Lake Dam for several days. Originally, BR was projecting releases to occur around June 6th and continue until the middle of the month. As of now, the Bureau is delaying releases until the lake is over 95% of capacity. This may not occur until closer to June 12th or so. When it does eventually occur, expect fishing on the reach of the river from the Dam to Pacific Creek to start fishing very well.

A Quick and Dirty on the South Fork!

The South Fork is continuing to fish well with streamers and nymphs from Palisades Reservoir down to Wolf Eddy. Pat's Rubber Legs (size 6-8), Perkin's Stone Nymph (size 6-8), Lightening Bugs (size 12-14), Prince Nymphs (size 10-16), San Juan Worms, gray-over-white Clousers (size 8), and white Bow River Buggers are have been the go-to flies on riffles, along banks and structure, and at the hear of seams and eddy pools.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Fishing Update for May 29th, 2010

South Fork

Flows from Palisades Dam have stabilized at approximately 9,500 cfs and the fishing continues to get better by the day. The upper reach in Swan Valley is fishing well with double nymph rigs (Prince Nymphs in sizes 12-14, red Copper Johns in sizes 12-16, and San Juan Worms) in large riffles and seams along eddy pools. Light streamers - either tan or white - are working along banks and structure. Stacked Blondes (size 6-8), tan articulated Zoo Cougars (size 2-4), and white Bow River Buggers (size 4) are working best.

But it is the Canyon reach of the South Fork that has been fishing best of all. There have been solid hatches of BWOs and caddis. Gray Parawulffs (size 16), Ausable Wulffs (size 16) and peacock Elk Hair Caddis (size 12-14) are matching these bugs on the surface and producing decent sized cutthroat and browns up to 16 inches. The streamer fishing, however, is incredible in the Canyon right now. White streamers - Clouser Minnows (size 6), Doll Hair Thunder Minnows (size 4-6), and trimmed down articulated Sex Dungeons - are producing in skinny water flats, along banks, and along structure. We have been fishing these with floating lines and intermediate sink tips. Big browns and cutthroats up to 20 inches are slamming into these baitfish imitations throughout the day. There is almost no consistency in terms of activity with the type of retrieve.

The South Fork is THE place to be at the moment.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is OPEN!!! Guides and anglers on the Firehole report water conditions to be decent but flows did rise a bit on opening day. Blue-winged olives were on the water as were a smattering of caddis despite cool temps and wet weather. Browns and rainbows are taking dead drifted Prince Nymphs and Zug Bugs and olive Copper Johns (all in sizes 16-18) in riffles and along undercut banks. Trout are also taking olive or yellow soft hackles swung through the tail end of riffles.


Ice is off about 30 percent of Lewis Lake and the fishing here was very good on Opening Day, although the put in is still really hard to deal with (lots of ice still in this area). Points, flats and melting ice edges are fishing well with olive or gray Mohair Leeches (size 8), blue-over white or gray-over-white Clousers (size 4-6), and gray Bow River Buggers. Sink tips in the range between Type 3 and Type 8 are getting these flies into the feeding zone and picking up brown trout and lake trout from 16 to 20 inches. These fish have a healthy girth to them and appear to have wintered well. We expect more good things to come from Lewis Lake in the coming weeks as the ice begins to melt and serious accessability by boat becomes more likely..

Snake River

The Snake cleared up significantly with the recent cool weather in the area, but with the warmer temps and drier weather it is now into runoff and should be for several weeks. Don’t expect much to happen until late, except for the tailwater section from Jackson Lake Dam down to Pacific Creek, of course. Flows from Jackson Lake Dam are scheduled to go up on June 6th and that section should start fishing well when it hits 2,500 cfs. We will report on that section as soon as we get a boat on it.


Green and New Fork rivers

Both rivers are relatively low but are in runoff and off color with about three feet of visibility. Under these conditions it is fishing well with nymphs and streamers. Red or black Copper Johns (size 12), Bloody Marys (size 12-14), red or olive San Juan Worms, olive Bow River Buggers (size 2-4), olive or black Beldar Buggers (size 4), and black Krystal Buggers have been the best producing flies when fished along submerged structure.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The New River Ambassador for the Snake - Jay Pistano!

Jay Pistano has been named as the ambassador for the Snake River. He will be at Wilson Bridge three to four days a week this summer assisting with issues of congestion, user conflicts, and educating the public about aquatic invasive species, etc. Hopefully he can do for the Wilson Boat Launch what he has done for Teton Pass as the ambassador there. Say hi to Jay when you see him there and offer him your support. Boy do we need this at Wilson Bridge. Congrats Jay!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Whats in store for the Columbia-Snake in the new Fed Salmon Plan?

Waylon Lewis did this write up (below) for HP in preperation for the "new" Federal Salmon Plan. For those of you who fish the Columbia-Snake System, you know how important these dicisions are to thefuture of salmon and steelhead in the Northwest.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/waylon-lewis/will-obama-save-salmon-in_b_582418.html

Friday, May 21, 2010

May 21st, 2010 Update - River Flow Projections fot 2010


The Bureau of Reclamation recently released their river flow projections for the upper Snake River. The graph shown here is for releases from Jackson Lake Dam. On approximately June 6th, releases will be ramped up from 400 cfs to 5,000 cfs. This maximum flow will be held for about one day (on June 13th approximately) and then the ramp down will begin. USBR predicts that releases will hit 3,5000 cfs on June 16th, 3,000 cfs on June 22nd, and then down to 2,800 cfs on June 29th, which Reclamation hopes to maintain until the end of the season.
These projections could mean that the tailwater reach of the Snake running from the Dam down to Palisades Creek may start to fish well by the end of the 2nd week of June. This section generally needs flows of 2,500 cfs and higher to fish well. We should be above that during the second week of June.
For the South Fork, flows peaked at around 19,000cfs last week and the ramp down for the season began shortly after that. Currently we are at approximately 13,500 cfs. The ramp down will continue at between 5 and 10 percent a day until flows hit around 8,000 cfs. It will be held at this level for the season and be raised only if there is additional irrigation demand downstream or if the reservoir fills to 100% again.
This spells good things for the South Fork. We should be in good shape for the salmon fly hatch in mid-June and, the golden stone emergence shortly thereafter, and the terrific dry fly fishing that can happen in July and early August.
Please keep in mind that these are only projections. The Bureau of Reclamation will have to make adjustment based on what happens with the weather over the next two months. Rarely do USBR projections result in exact operating plans. But it is, at least, a projection.

May 21st, 2010 Update - 1% for the Tetons!

1% for the Tetons is currently conducting a major and very important fundraising effort in the Teton area. The Campaign is called "One28" and it is attempting to raise $300,000 for 19 projects proposed by 19 local organizations. Two of my favorites - the Snake River Fund (full disclosure, I am a board member) and Friends of the Teton River - have projects that are part of this campaign. The Drive runs for 28 days - from May 8th until June 5th.

FTR is seeking $12,000 for its Teton Valley Watersmart Schools,which will provide water conservation education for students and teachers in the Teton Valley Community. In essence, the project will design and implement a water conservation curriculum for education professionals involved in local schools.

SRF is seeking $11,000 for its River Ambassador Program. The River Ambassador Program establishes a River Ambassador for the stretch of the Snake River running from Wilson to South Park. The Ambassador will promote responsible use of the river by directing traffic; reducing user conflicts; promoting a code of ethics for river users; collecting pertinent user data; providing education relating to river etiquette, aquatic invasive species, catch and release practices, appropriate wildlife viewing practices, and leave no trace principles. As many of you know, Wilson and South Park are two of the most congested river access sites on the Snake. In my opinion, an ambassador is needed simply to help reduce and mediate user conflicts. The number of incidents at these site are growing every year. The Ambassador program established a few years ago on Teton Pass (to reduce conflicts amongst snowboarders and skiers) has been very successful and serves as a template for this program.

Go to http://www.onepercentforthetetons.org/ to get more information on these projects, the fundraiser, and to make a donation. The fundraiser ends on June 5th. The two projects I highlighted are very worthwhile.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Fly Fishing Update - May 20th, 2010

Snake River

The Snake River has finally went into runoff after our recent spell of warm, sunny weather that drove valley air temperatures into the low 70s. Some cooler, wetter weather has moved in since, but the runoff is here until it is over. What fishing can be has on the Snake River is on the five mile stretch from Jackson Lake Dam down to Pacific Creek and at the mouth of the numerous spring creeks flowing into the river. Expect to see caddis (match with Elk Hair Caddis in size 14 and X-Caddis in size 12-14), blue-winged olives (match with Parachute Adams in size 16-18), and a spattering of March browns (match with Airflo Callibaetis in size 12) depending on the weather. But don't be afraid to throw streamers at the transition lines of clear and muddy water. I generally urge a darker body for this kind of water, such as a black and purple Jungle Sculpin (size 4) or a black Silvey's Leech.


South Fork

Flows from Palisades Reservoir peaked at just under 19,000cfs on May 14th and are now coming down at between 500cfs and 1000cfs a day. We currently stand at 15,000cfs, which brings the South Fork into much better shape for fishing. Expect it to drop another 1,000 to 2,000 cfs over the week, which will be even better.

The tributaries of the South Fork are in runoff and reducing the clarity of the main river a bit. But it still fishes well in these conditions with Pat' Rubber Leg Stone Nymph (size 6), Parkins' Stone Nymph (size 6-8), Lightening Bugs (size 10-12), red or black Copper Johns (size 10-12), Prince Nymphs (size 10-12) and San Juan Worms (size 12). We are fishing these as double nymph rigs with the smaller patterns suspended 8 to 12 inches below the larger stone nymph patterns. This rigging is separated by about seven feet of leader from the indicator.

Under the current conditions on the South Fork, we are finding the best fishing on newly submerged riffles and the upstream pieces of seams and confluence points. Streamers (black Beldar's Bugger size 4 and black or olive Bow River Buggers in size 4 or 2) are also working well in these types of holding water, but they are being outperformed by double nymph rigs.

Without question, the best fishing is being found on the upper reach of the stream in Swan Valley. In fact, the first three miles of river are clear and visilibity is good until the confluence with Palisades Creek. We are picking up very good sized rainbows and browns on this piece of the river.


Green River

The Green is flowing at approximately 500 cfs and is a bit off color with approximately three feet of visibility. It is still fishing well with nymphs around structure and at the head of long riffles. Not that Green River trout key in on specific colors, but red seems to be doing the trick particularly Bloody Mary's, red Copper Johns, and San Juan Worms (all in size 10-12). Expect this stream to rise to well over 1000 cfs over the couple of weeks, but it will most likely recede quickly and be in prime fishing shape. Nevertheless, it is fishing decent at the moment and you should take advantage of it be flows increase.

New Fork

The New Fork is one of the hold out streams that has not entered into runoff yet. It currently stands at 250 cfs and is fishing fine with streamers (olive or gray Silvey's Sculpins and J.J. Specials in sizes 2-4). The dry fly fishing has been hit or miss, but large attractors are working in riffles, along structure, and along deep banks. In particular, olive Will's Winged Chernobyl (size 8), brown and gold Snake River Water Walkers (size 8), and brown Fat Alberts (size 6-8) have been bringing up the big browns on the New Fork. You can drop a Prince Nymph (size 10) or Lightening Bug (size 10-12) of the large bugs and pick up some big fish as well.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Snake River Update for May 11th, 2010

Snake River



The cool, wet weather over the past week and a half has delayed the runoff on the Snake River and we are reaping the benefits with awesome dry fly fishing, particularly from Wilson Bridge down to East Table in the Canyon. Water temperatures have been a steady 41 to 46 degrees from mid-morning to early evening, so the activity is almost non-stop. On my trips, I haven't even be tying on nymphs or streamers. The heaviest action has been in riffles and along banks and structure. Confluence points and seams have their moments, but nothing like what we are having in the riffles and along the banks.



We are seeing the typical bugs that we generally see this time of year - BWOs, midges, capnias, skwalas, Rithrogenas (a Snake version of the March brown), and early caddis. We are matching these with Stimulators and Parachute Adams, but the best action has been on larger attractors such as Snake River Water Walkers (size 10) in olive and rust, SRA Chernobyls (size 8-10), Circus Peanuts (size 8) and Kasey's Creature (size 8). These are the flies that are doing the trick. They don't look like anything on the water, but the cutties are coming up to them consistently.



South Fork



Releases from Palisades Reservoir are at 6300 cfs and this generally means some better fishing after the trout have acclimated. This is the case in the Canyon at the moment, where the fishing is the best it has been so far this year. Its still not as good as it is going to be, but good nonetheless. Nymph fishing in the riffles has been consistent throughout the day with Lightening Bugs (size 12-16), red Copper Johns (size 14), Zug Bugs (size 14), and Lite Brite Serendipities (size 14-16). In the afternoon (from 1pm until early evening) dry flies are bringing fish to the surface on riffles and seams. Elk Hair Caddis (size 12) in olive or brown, Parachute Extended Body PMDs (size 12-16), Parkins' Spinner (size 12-16), and Halo Emergers (size 14) have been the most productive flies.



The upper South Fork in Swan Valley has been the place to be over the past month or so, but the heavy fishing pressure on the rainbow redds, along with the raising of flows from the Dam (which generally results in longer acclimation timing for trout on the upper South Fork) have slowed the fishing down a bit. I have been having better luck here with streamers - olive or rust Kiwi Muddlers (size 4), white or purple Aztec Warriors (size 4), olive or purple Jungle Sculpins (size 2-4), and natural or white Sex Dungeons (size 2). This latter fly has been on fire for me. I am swinging them through riffles, seams, and confluence points, then setting into a hard and fast strip. It is really producing well and might be my favorite streamer this year.



Snow Pack Update



The unsettled weather over the past two weeks has boosted the snow pack in the Snake River drainage to 72% of normal and in the Green River drainage to 65%. While we are still expecting a short runoff, it is going to be later than normal. I believe that the runoff on the Green and New Fork will occur by the second week of June and the Snake and Salt rivers will be in post-runoff around the forth week of June. These are just predictions, so take them with a grain of salt. a warm, dry second half of May could change everything.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

April 29th, 2010 Update - What A Great Couple Of Weeks We Have Had!

The past two weeks have been fantastic on our area waters. Gorgeous weather and gin clear water has made this an April to remember. A big low pressure system has moved in, bringing some snow and cold temperatures. The forecast is for the weather to be cold and wet for the next several days. So this is a great opportunity to reflect on what we have had -


Snake River


The dry fly action has been some of the best we have experienced in the month of April. Even on those few days when the water showed a little bit of sediment, we had cutthroat rising in riffles and along most pieces of structure. Blue-winged olives, skwalas, capnias, midges and little green stones made an appearance on the surface on most days, but what was surprising was the amount of activity we had on large attractors like Melon Bellies, Snake River Water Walkers, and SRA Chernobyls. We may not see this kind of activity for another seven weeks or so.





South Fork

The South Fork had a slow start but kicked into gear by the middle of the month. The upper reach in Swan Valley fished great on nymphs from the Dam down to the confluence with Palisades Creek. Nice sized cutthroats and rainbows - going up to 18 inches - could be taken in most riffles on that piece of the stream. The Canyon begin to fish well over the last 10 days of the month. This is where we had some of the best dry fly action on BWO and caddis imitations. Furimsky's BDE Olive (size 14-16) and rust Tent-Wing Caddis (size 12) were working like charms.



Henry's Fork

Caddis caddis everywhere! The past week has been incredible. Blizzards of caddis almost everyday. Everything from Warm River down has been fishing very, very well. Yes, nymphs have been what most of the action has been on, with the olive or gray Sparkle Caddis Pupa (size 12-14) and the RW Chamois Caddis (size 12). But the dry fly action has really been something. One friend of mine made an observation that as soon as a cloud passed over the sun, the rainbows would start to dimple the surface. Troth's Elk Hair Caddis (size 14-16) worked in a variety of colors. Really good stuff! And there was a consistent number of plump 14 to 16 inch rainbows.





Despite the cold and wet weather we have in here currently, this does not mean that the fishing has nose-dived. There can still be some very good activity out there. The only difference is that the surface activity will be squeezed into a tighter time period and you may have to hunker down when it gets chilly. And the nymph fishing can still be fantastic through it all.