Fishing Report and Stream Flow Update for April 18, 2011

Snake River

Releases from Jackson Lake Dam are currently at 3,700 cfs and, despite the fact that the runoff has not officially started in the drainage, the river is beginning to go off color due primarily to the washing of banks. Flows should peak at 5,000 cfs this week. The Bureau of Reclamation reports that this level of release should hold into the 2nd week of May. If the releases are indeed stable at 5,000 cfs for the next three weeks, we should see much of the river from Deadmans Bar down to South Park begin to fish in a decent fashion.

The Snake River from Jackson Lake Dam to Pacific Creek is the one section that is starting to fish well. It is not on fire by any means, but it is possible to pick up cutthroat and lake trout on double nymph rigs, with much of the action being on black or olive Copper Johns (size 12 to 18), Ice Cream Cone Midges (size 16), March Brown Nymphs (size 12) and Hare’s Ear Nymphs (size 12 to 14). As the flows on this section continue to rise, expect the fishing to get better and dry fly action to pick up when weather conditions permit.

South Fork

After having experienced steady flows at 14,000 cfs for almost a week, releases from Palisades Reservoir have increased to 16,000 cfs. Prior to this, fishing has been solid on the upper portion of the river in Swan Valley where action has been solid on double nymph rigs consisting of Pat’s Rubber Legs and Bitch Creek Nymphs trailing red or pink San Juan Worms (size 10), red Copper Johns (size 10 to 12), silver or gold Lightening Bugs (size 16), Murphys Mysis (size 16 to 18), and Beadhead Bubbleback Pheasant Tail Nymphs (size 14 to 16). The Bureau of Reclamation reports that releases at Palisades Dam will hold at 16,000 cfs until the fourth week of May, at which time there will be a flush to scour the rainbow beds. Give the South Fork a couple of days to stabilize at 16,000 cfs. We should see fishing on this upper section that is just as good as what we have had over the past couple of weeks. And most likely the Canyon sections will start to fish good as well.

Another section of the South Fork that is starting to fish well is below Heise Bridge and down to Menan Buttes. Structure, confluence points, and seams are all producing with the same type of nymph rigs that are producing on the upper reach in Swan Valley. Streamers are also working well when fished along structure, confluence points, seams, and banks. Quad Bunnies, Silveys Sculpins, and Butt Monkeys are the streamers producing best of all. This lower piece of water may slow down a bit as the flows go up, but we should see fishing on this section pick up as flows stabilize.

Henrys Fork

The Henrys Fork continues to offer some of the best fishing in the area, although weather conditions are playing a big role in that regard (45 degrees and above are ideal. Partly cloudy to cloudy with a little precipitation can be really good). Flows at St. Anthony are at 2,250 cfs and at Ashton they are at 1,540 cfs. From Warm River down to Ashton, action is very good on Lightening Bugs (size 14 to 16), Batmen (size 16 to 18), black Copper Johns (size 16 to 18), Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymphs (size 12 to 16), and Prince Nymphs (size 12 to 16). Streamers like Clouser Minnows, Fergus Strung-out Leeches, and black or olive Mohair Leeches are also producing early in the day, especially along submerged structure and flats.

Fishing on the lower Henrys Fork below Chester is also fishing well with streamers. Black, olive, and gray CH Bow River Buggers (size 2 to 4), black or olive Rubber Leg Krystal Buggers (size 2), and olive Marabou Buggers (size 2 to 6) are producing and bringing in some large brown trout.

Fishing and Stream Flow update for April 10th, 2011

Snake River Flows from Jackson Lake Dam will increase 20% a day until April 19th when flows should hit 5,000 cfs. This is a lot of water for this time of year, but we should see two beneficial aspects from this. First, as flows increase, side channels on the reach of river running from Deadman's Bar down to South Park will fill and allow trout to move into them. This is something that we experienced in 2007, when releases were at 4,500 cfs for most of August and into September. Second, the tailwater section of the river from the Dam down to Pacific Creek generally fishes well with higher water levels. 2,500 cfs to 4,500 cfs is ideal. 5,000 cfs will probably fish very well. In addition, it won't be impacted by the runoff and will run clear for the duration of the season. South Fork Releases from Palisades Dam are at 14,000 cfs and will most likely stay there until the reservoir experiences significant infill. This is a very high level for this time of year, but the South Fork is actually fishing very well due to the increase in the number of mysis shrimp coming in from the reservoir. Mysis shrimp imitations are bringing in big rainbows and cutbows from the dam down to Conant Boat Launch. Chilly temperatures are making surface action almost non-existent, but the production on double nymph rigs and smaller streamers (size 8 to size 6) is more than making up for the lack of activity on dry flies.

April 2nd Fishing Report and Spring Update

April is finally here. This is the biggest sleeper month of the season with good fishing throughout the Snake River region. Here is what is happening now -

Snake River

With air temperatures in the mid to upper 40s on a consistent basis, the Snake River is a very hard place to beat at the moment. Midges, bwos, and callibaetis are on the water on a fairly regular basis. Little green stoneflies can be found as well at times. The little greens are important, as they emerge on the Snake earlier in the year than almost anywhere else in the Rocky Mountain West. The window for dry fly fishing has opened significantly to around three to four hours on the warmer days. Boat launches at Wilson, South Park, and Astoria are open. The reach of the Snake River from Wilson to Astoria offer some of the best spring fishing in the area, so it is rather ideal that these access site are open.

Flies - Double nymph rigs that include Prince Nymphs (size 10), black Copper Johns (size 16 to 18), Lightening Bugs (size 14 to 18), and gray or black Tungsten Midge Pupas (size 18) has been the most consistent set-up for most of the day. But when the temps warm and trout start coming to the surface for midges and bwos, nothing is working better than gray or black Furimsky BDEs (size 18) olive Parachute Adams (size 18), and Parachute Extended Body BWOs (size 18).

South Fork

Release from Palisades Reservoir is now up to 10,000 cfs. This is by far the highest we have seen it in March. Since the flows have stabilized and the fish have acclimated we are now experiencing some better fishing despite the fact that the river is noticeably off color. The fishing is by no means off the charts, but a number of anglers are reporting success on Pat's Rubber Leg (size 8), gold Lightening Bugs (size 14 to 18), and a variety of mysis shrimp patterns (sizes 16 to 20). With flows already at 10,000 cfs, expect some very, very good fishing to occur through this spring and into June. 10,000 cfs is a terrific level at which to fish the South Fork, and it can be just as good into the 12,000 to 15,000 range.

Henry's Fork

Flows are stable and the fishing on the lower Henry's Fork is pretty damn good right now. Chester down to Del Rio Bridge has been fishing consistent with streamers, especially black or olive Woolley Buggers (size 4 to 6), black Zonkers (size 4 to 6), and olive Conehead Beldar Buggers (size 2 to 4). Nymphing has also been productive with olive or red Copper Johns (size 12 to 16), Rainbow Warriors (size 18), and Lightening Bugs (size14 to 18). Below Del Rio, streamers are definitely hammering it home when fished with a intermediate to a TYPE III tip.

Warm River to Ashton is also fishing very well, although the boat launch site are somewhat difficult to negotiate due to a lingering snow pack. The same types of streamers and nymphs that are working on the lower river are also working on this reach of the Henry's Fork, but so too are purple Zebra Midges (size 18 to 20) and blue Batmen (size 16 to 18).

Spring Flow Update

In advance of what will likely be a big runoff, the Bureau of Reclamation is releasing water early from the Snake River Reservoirs. Jackson Lake Dam is currently at 550 cfs and is predicted to hit 1500 cfs by the middle of April. The reservoir itself is 78% full. These releases could spell good things for fishing below Jackson and down to Pacific Creek. This section generally starts fishing well at 1000 to 1500 cfs and really hits its stride at 2500 cfs. Last year, we did not hit these levels until the second week of June. So it could be a really good April and May for this piece of water.

Releases from Palisades Reservoir are now up to 10,000 cfs, by far the highest we have seen them at this time of year. As these flows level off and the fish acclimate, be prepared for some very solid fishing through April, May and into June.

Fishing Report for March 23, 2011

Snake River country is experiencing a typical March - warm days with temperatures getting up into the 40s with intermittent snow storms rolling through the region, some of which are bringing a lot of snow in the mountains. The last one to come through the area left 22" at the 9,500 ft. level. On those warmer, sunny days, fishing on the Snake, the South Fork, and the Henry's Fork has been good, and probably will be well into April.

On the Snake, bwo and midge imitations have been the most productive patterns for the surface. Krystal Midge Emergers (size 18), Day-2 Midge Emergers (size 18), Extended Body Parachute BWOs (size 16), and Furimsky BDEs in olive, gray, and black (sizes 16 to 20) are killing it in riffles, flats and over shallow, submerged structure. Below the surface, black Copper Johns (size 16), black or gray Zebra Midges (size 16 to 20), Lightening Bugs (size 16 to 18), and Rainbow Warriors (size 18 to 20) are working as double nymph rigs in riffles and when fished through confluence points and along structure.

The South Fork is fishing solid on the upper reach from Palisades Dam down to Conant Boat Launch and on the lower reaches in the vicinity of Kelly Island and Heise Bridge. The same flies we are using on the Snake are producing on the South Fork. But so too are Flashback Pheasant Tails (size 14 to 16), gray Quigley Cripples (size 14 to 16), and Callibaetis Comparaduns (size 14 to 18).

Don't forget about the success one can have on streamers this time of year. The warmer water temps mean that trout are less lethargic and ready to strike (whether out of hunger or annoyance) a baitfish if it happens to swim by. We're getting very impressive reports from the South Fork and the lower Henry's Fork. One of these included a 25-inch brown from the upper South Fork caught on a black Conehead Bow River Bugger. This time of year, many of us like to throw some of the larger streamers - Quad Bunnies, Sex Dungeons, Butt Monkeys, and Silvey's Sculpin Leech. These are all size 2 or larger and three of the four are articulated. Fishing them with a floating line is fine, but in some pool and along deeper banks, an intermediate or TYPE III tip can make all the difference in the world.

Fishing Report for Feb. 27th, 2011

We are coming off a brutally cold February in the Snake River region. It may not have been a record cold month, but it has been below average. We are looking forward to what is generally the fun month of March, still fantastic skiing in the area, but also warmer days for fishing. In Jackson Hole, for example, daytime temperatures in March are on average nine degrees higher than in February. Days are getting longer, too. Yesterday I fished the South Fork in the vicinity of Conant Valley until 6:30 pm and there was still light for another 20 minutes or so. Watching the seasons progress from winter to summer gets most of us at Snake River Angler excited and eager about whats to come.


If you get out on the water over the next month, be prepared with patterns that will match chironomids, bwos, and little black stoneflies (Capnias). But also stay on the lookout for little green stoneflies (Chloroperlidae). The little green stone makes an early to mid-summer appearance on most trout streams in the West, but on the Snake and its tributaries, you will find them quite a bit earlier. You will see the come out just after equinox. The Lime Trude (size 12) and the Jimmy Z (size 10 to 12). Like yellow sallies, little green stones can emerge within a stream by coming to the surface and crawling from its shuck (hence the effectiveness of Howard Coles' Yellow Sally Emerger. Nonetheless, I find the Lime Trude and the Jimmy -Z to be most effective in the spring when fished along banks and structure and on slow-water flats. This is where you should target your little green stone imitations, as well as your little black stonefly patterns.


Trout Population Estimates for the South Fork
In Early February, the Idaho Department of Fish and Wildlife released the population estimates from the South of the Snake River. As we would expect from the most consistent trout stream in our region, trout abundance is strong - 4,618 trout per mile for the upper South Fork and 1,051 trout per mile on the lower South Fork. The number of cutthroat and brown trout on the upper South Fork are up slightly, while the number of rainbow trout are down slightly, suggesting perhaps that the Angler Incentive Program (i.e. - 0 limit on rainbow trout), tributary weirs, and the timing of freshet releases from Palisades Reservoir are having their intended impact. We take all of this with a grain of salt, however. we saw dramatic increases in the number of cutthroat over rainbows for a few years until 2010, when rainbow number suddenly jumped and overtook cutthroat numbers. Hopefully what we saw happen this year will start the same trend that we saw prior to 2010. Many of us believe that the key is the freshet releases from Palisades Dam - if these can be timed properly with the spawning of rainbows on the upper South Fork, we could see more impactful decreases in rainbow numbers and increases in native cutthroat.


Interesting Article about Idaho's Angler Incentive Program
The Jackson Hole New and Guide's Paul Bruun recently wrote a very insightful piece regarding the efforts on the South Fork to reduce the number of non-native rainbow trout. Go to this link to take a peek - http://www.jhnewsandguide.com.search.php/?date=2011-02-16

Longer Days and Improved Fishing - Report for January 29th, 2011

The days are getting longer and as they are, the fishing is getting better. Don't expect anything off the charts (such results rarely happen in the Snake River region this time of year), but there is noticably better results, especially when we get the "warm" weather that pushes temps into the upper 30s and low to mid 40s. Productivity is generally about one to two hours longer than it has been over the past several weeks. Surface action is going to be about a half hour to an hour longer than what we have experienced over the past month or so. Midges and a few blue-wing olives are the most prevalent bugs on the water at that time. As the water temperatures warm, we should also start to see more little black stoneflies.

Anglers are reporting decent action on RS-2 Midge (size 18), Ice Cream Cone Midges (size 16 to 20) in black, olive, or tan, Tunjgsten Midge Pupa (size 18 to 20) in sizes 18 to 20, black Copper Johns (size 16 to 20), and Lightening Bugs (size 16 to 18). Above the surface, trout are being taken on olive or black Furimsky BDEs (size 18) and Renegades (size 18).

While the whole of the Snake River and many of its tributaries are continuing to offer better fishign with each passing week, there is no question that the lower South Fork (from Byington down to Menan), as well as the main stem of the Snake from Menan down to Shelley and the lower Henrys Fork (downstream of St. Anthony) are the sections of river that are experiencing the best action. If there is a year-around fishery in the Snake River drainage, this is the place.

Fishing Report for January 7th, 2010

Warmer Temps Ring in Better Fishing

After almost two weeks of bitterly freezing weather, the cold front has passed through and temperatures have now climbed into the low 30s in Jackson Hole and the high 30s in Swan Valley. This has allowed the window for action on flies to pick up a bit, including some surface activity on both streams. Don't plan on being on the water before 12 am. The most productive time periods have been from about 2 pm to 4 pm. It is during this small, two hour window that some surface action is occurring as midges and a FEW bwos make an appearance.

Ice Cream Cone Midge Nymphs (size 16 - 18) in black, cream or olive, as well as black or olive Copper Johns (size 16 to 18) and Rainbow Warriors (size 18) have been the most productive nymphs on both streams. These are being fished as a double rig with a large (size 10) Prince or Pheasant Tail Nymph as the lead. The tails of riffles and shallow inside turns on riffles is where the majority of the action has been. These pieces of holding water, as well as long flats, is where much of the surface activity has been as well on midge and BWO imitations like black Furimsky BDEs (size 18), Griffith's Gnats (size 16 - 18), Parachute Adams (size 16 to 18) and Purple Hazes (size 16 to 18).

Throughout the afternoon period on the Snake and the South Fork, streamers that are swung and stripped through riffles and in the deeper parts of the flats. The action is not off the charts, but it can be worthwhile and the possibility of hooking into a large brown or cutthroat is certainly there. Furgus' Strung-Out Leech in olive-over-gray and gray-over-white Clouser Minnows have been working best for anglers who are reporting back to our shop.

Another cold front will be moving into the Snake River area starting on Sunday and will last through Tuesday before another warm spell, and perhaps better and more comfortable fishing, returns.

Ice Fishing! - Its On!

There is one nice thing about standing on an 18-inch thick sheet of ice while being blasted by icy wind storms - the fishing can be excellent if you can withstand sub-zero temps. The ice fishing has just kicked into gear this past week and there are good reports coming in from Slide Lake and Jackson Lake. Some big lake trout are being taken from Jackson Lake with blue-over-white and olive-over-white jigs, as well as sculpins and large rock and shiner minnows. Certainly enough action for most fish bums until the fishing on our rivers pick up in earnest.