A Great Yellowstone Region Fly-Fishing Season Is Coming

Finally the Greater Yellowstone Region has had a winter with abundant snowfall!  It’s the best in many years, and in addition to the high snow pack, springtime in the region has been cool and wet resulting in a slow runoff rate to date. It appears the cooler than normal springtime will continue for a while ensuring cooler water for a longer time into summer.  The result will be abundant water for all demands for the remainder of the year.

Another factor enters into the quality of fishing in the region. High gas prices could result in fewer visitations. That coupled with the relatively lean population density in our region means a season with less crowding on waters. Of course one way around the high gas prices is “buddying up” to share travel expenses, and we expect to see more of that going on this year.

Let’s now look at some of our drainages and comment on angling prospects for the upcoming season.  Waters in Yellowstone National Park will be high to begin the season that opens on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Many streams will be high with runoff, so look for the Firehole River and the Lewis River to offer the best angling.   As the season progresses to summer, all waters will become fishable. The way things look now a fishing curtailment like we had last year is very doubtful.  High quality Park streams including Gibbon River, Slough Creek, Soda Butte Creek, Duck Creek, Bechler River, Fall River,  and Boundary Creek will be at the “top of their game” throughout the season, and look for a return of abundant mayfly hatches on all because of the higher cooler waters. The green drake emergence, in particular, from all Fall River Basin streams (July) and on Slough Creek (September) could return to normal abundances.  There is a cloud in the blue sky of this outlook and that is the situation on the Yellowstone River drainage above the falls. The Yellowstone cutthroat trout population is down here because of whirling disease and the impact of lake trout population in Yellowstone Lake.  Further angling restrictions may be possible on the drainage above the falls.

Abundant snowfall in southwestern Montana drainages signals improved fly-fishing over last year.  The Gallatin River will be high for a while as runoff comes out of the Park, but its caddis, stonefly and terrestrial seasons will be on time. High water on the Madison is a possibility early depending on how reservoirs are managed.  But because of the abundance of water, the season–long outlook is great.  As soon as run off waters coming into it clear, Quake Lake will host its array of enthusiasts.  Certainly expect the Madison River stonefly season to enter the region as July approaches. As always, it will be a major regional fishing event.  While action on the river slows a bit in August, the gulpers will begin on Hebgen Lake.  A lot of folks believe that is the only location for gulpers. It is not! All other regional lakes having speckled duns and tricos host a gulper event, some like the shallows of Elk Lake, Hidden Lake and Wade Lake are very good, others, like Quake Lake, are spotty.  The Ruby River drainage also received its share of abundant snowfall, so look for a lengthy and good season there.  The Red Rock drainage perhaps received one of the most abundant snowfalls in the entire region. This means that system, which features small streams and still waters, will be a great choice after run off leaves late in June. McDonald Pond has been reclaimed and grayling were introduced a few years ago. Look for this one to be a sleeper for unusual fishing.  Another overlooked southwest Montana fishery that can be wonderful in the early season is Cliff Lake. Be there just at ice-out, especially the Antelope Arm!  But Cliff, Wade, Hidden and Elk lakes will also have great fishing until early summer beginning with dragonfly and damselfly emergences in early season and going to speckled duns August into September. Come back to them as the days cool in September with streamers for a chance at fall activity, especially those deep running Wade Lake browns.

Look for a long runoff season in Northwest Wyoming.  Jackson Hole streams, mostly the Snake River and tributaries, will be high well into July, barring prolonged hot weather. That’s because the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges received great snowfalls. As we have seen this was the case for Yellowstone Park, the source of much Jackson Hole moving water. So wait until late July for the best of those Snake River float trips and those eager Snake River fine spotted cutts.  The same snowfall is the case for such as the Grey’s River, Hoback River, and Salt River drainages where the Salt River Range, the Wyoming Range, and again the Gros Ventre Range will pump cooling waters into their drainages for a long time into the season.  Look for a great season on that most scenic of rivers, the Grey’s River. This is the domain of Snake River fine spotted cutthroat trout like nowhere else, and from early season stonefly emergences followed by PMDs to the August and early September terrestrial insect season these trout are willing takers of correctly presented patterns.  But wait until late July before considering a serious trip there, and be sure to pack a camera.  The Salt River has a lesser compliment of high country to drain than the Grey’s, so look for it to clear and offer better fishing earlier. Wyoming Game and Fish has several access sites on this river which can host a great float trip or within these sites feature good walk-in fishing. Seldom visited Hoback River tributaries will also offer great fishing for Snake River fine spotted cutts if you wait until mid July. Tight lipped western Wyoming fly-fishers won’t say much about these little known but quality waters, but we can help!

Eastern Idaho features a wide variety of waters to fish. Locations discussed above lack the number of small irrigation reservoirs that eastern Idaho features and that become an early season balm for the cabin fever sickened angler.  Many of these do not have major run off compliments but rely on a cool, wet spring and ground water to retain good fishing conditions into early summer. With our cool, wet spring continuing these reservoirs can remain good destinations well into July this year.  Include Springfield, Daniels, Twenty-Four Mile and Chesterfield reservoirs on that list. Sadly, Treasureton Reservoir is not a destination this year because of an early springtime massive fish kill.  Island Park received abundant snowfall last winter, so the Henry’s Fork season is shaping up to be the best in years. With good flows out of Island Park Reservoir reflecting run off from the Centennial and Henry’s Lake ranges, look for a return of the fabled Last Chance-Harriman continuum of caddis and mayfly emergences.  The lower Henry’s Fork features many of these emergences in June and into July, and look for the gray drakes to be a June feature here. When the end of June rolls around socially and “piscatorially” the place to be is the South Fork reach of the Snake River.  That’s when the stonefly emergence begins working its way up the river. This will be followed by the PMD emergence and by late September the appearance of mahogany duns and return of the BWOs.  Eastern Idaho offers much more to the fly-fisher than irrigation reservoirs, the Henry’s Fork, and the South Fork.  The Teton River is a destination fishery, and such as the Portneuf, Blackfoot, Big Lost, and Fall rivers are not far behind.  Then there are the much-overlooked South Fork and Salt River tributaries. This year with abundant water they will offer some great fishing, if you can pull yourself away from the South Fork. The August flav emergence on all these will be a feature, and look for these bugs to return to Bear Creek which finally will have good water levels.  The same holds true for the Salt River tribs flowing east out of Idaho. Jackknife, Tincup, Stump and Crow creeks will get you away from the crowds and offer cutts and browns to surprising sizes.

So there you have an outlook for a great upcoming season. Of course one must rely on on-the-water experience for the best information. We keep our ears open to such, and we get out and fish these regional waters ourselves for first hand experience.  We will pass as much as practical on to you through this web site as timely as possible throughout the season. And then there is the telephone or email. We encourage you to use them for obtaining current information you seek to plan your trip to this region. This is a service we are glad to provide, but stopping into the shop will result in even more.  We are  vendors for Idaho, Montana and Yellowstone National Park fishing licenses, and we offer the items you need to make your trip here a lifetime experience. We look forward to meeting you!

Heck, It’s Winter Again!
 
 The calendar says it is still autumn, but it doesn’t work that way in eastern Idaho. After a wet October, we are experiencing about normal precipitation and cold temperatures. Hopefully we are not in a repeat of the dry winters of  most recent years, but we have a long way to go!  The blue bird days of 40 degrees F. we had early in November permitted some great outings, but now it's colder.  Nevertheless we will have great days to be out enjoying the new waters opened for angling last year by IDF&G.  The most significant of these include the entire South Fork reach of the Snake River below Palisades Dam and the Henry’s Fork from Riverside Campground in Island Park to Ashton Dam. One reason for opening the entire South Fork is to allow for a season-long rainbow trout harvest. According to IDF&G’s fish population surveys doing so has reduced the number of rainbows there thus helping resident cutthroat trout maintain their numbers.  Because of the lack of snow in the valley, much of the roads allowing access to the river remain passable. This includes much of the South Fork Road above Heise and the river road above Swan Valley Bridge. Although not maintained, Public boat launch sites along the river can be used if free of ice. One good storm or extremely cold weather can close all of these, so watch forecasts before you venture to facilities not maintained this time of year. Be sure to pack tire chains, shovels, signal flares, spare warm clothing, food and water in your vehicle just in case a bad storm hits. With respect to the Henry’s Fork, much of the newly opened water is off the beaten path. The reach from Riverside Campground to the Warm River confluence is accessible mainly by skiing or snowshoeing because there is snow cover. Rest assured you will find solitude, but if you venture there on skis or shoes, be sure to inform someone of your plans to do so and keep survival gear and a cell phone handy. Strategies for fishing the newly available South Fork and Henry’s Fork reaches are forming as we gather experience.  Now it is particularly important to have winter weather determine your angling plans.  Best winter fishing is most likely found during times of good weather, and getting there is always safer during the nicer winter days.  Success with respect to fly patterns centers around food forms available during winter months: midge, caddis, and blue winged olive life-cycle patterns as well as the use of streamers and sometimes stonefly nymphs. Come visit us to discuss fly rodding approaches for the newly available waters. Don’t overlook the traditionally open reaches of the lower South Fork and Henry’s Fork and the main stem Snake River. We can help you find angling success on these productive waters, too. Some still waters in the lower valley remain accessible. Come in to check with us to learn more about which of these can be reached at various times during the winter and strategies for fishing them. We offer more than top quality gear, we offer you advise based on experience, and it is our pleasure to share angling knowledge with you.
 
 To compliment winter fly rodding, we offer indoor activities throughout the season that can add to your store of all around fly-fishing knowledge. Come visit our Saturday midday fly tying demos featuring local experts. They begin in December and run through March. By attending them, you will pick up tips on the latest tying techniques and fly patterns as well as reviews and “how-to” information on traditional techniques and “old reliable” patterns. At the same time you can be regaled with stories credible and incredible, all in a friendly, merry atmosphere. So the Saturday tying demos can be a fun time as well! Bring your note pad and your wits. Check on this site for our fly tying demo schedule to determine which fit your interests. We also offer fly tying classes on the beginning and intermediate level. Check on this web site to see which may be of interest to you. Remember, fly tying compliments fly fishing like nothing else. Becoming a fly tier will certainly improve your angling success. We feature a stock of fly tying materials that is second to none in quality and variety. And we can advise you on how best to use them. Later in the winter we will offer other subject matter classes including, with sufficient demand, rod building and aquatic entomology. Watch this web site to observe availability.
 
 So you see winter is not such a bad time after all! There are expanded fishing opportunities available, we offer fly tying demos, subject matter classes, loads of fly tying material and quality equipment and gear for you to consider for upgrading for the next general season. We really are trying to take the “Heck” away from “It’s Winter Again”!

Take Advantage of Being So Lucky

(We'll leave this item here to help sooth those cabin fever pains sure to come late this winter!)

We are in the dog days of summer. This year it seems like they began back in July because we have been so warm and dry for so long. This, on top of our nearly snow-less last winter, has made for some distressing conditions on regional waters. Yellowstone Park fisheries managers have closed many streams from fishing between the hours of 2 PM and 5 PM. Montana fisheries managers have closed a number of streams either for afternoon hours or totally. The Montana closure holds a list of blue ribbon streams that any state other than ours would find an object of jealousy.

Here in eastern Idaho, the Henry’s Fork, the South Fork and Henry’s Lake have seen big slow downs in trout activity thanks to the conditions described above. We expect slow downs this time of year, but for the South Fork in particular, the slow down could last for  weeks. Here’s why. Palisades Reservoir is down to 8 % of capacity, and Jackson Lake is dropping past 75 % of capacity. Thus keeping flows in the river at the current 10000 cfs much longer is nigh impossible. With warm weather looking to stay on for the rest of the month and future lower flows, action on the South Fork could slow further. That does not mean fishing there will be poor by any stretch of the mind. What it means is that good fishing will stay later in the day and especially in the early hours after nighttime cooling.

For a lot of folks working 9-5 schedules such early and late hours are inconvenient. Thus, for those fly-fishers who must, or even, prefer to fish the “banker’s hours” of 10 AM-5 PM. There are some great alternatives.  First, one has to break the mold of the South Fork being the only game in town. True, it is our greatest river in terms of numbers of trout, variety of trout (sorry, no bull trout!) and ability to host crowds of anglers. But it is not the only game in town. Nor it is the only great game in town.  Let’s now look at some alternatives to the slow mid day hours of the South Fork. And these alternatives will return you to the joys of great angling that surely will return to the South Fork come late September.

Are you programmed to motor up US 26 as if heading to the South Fork? Then make a supreme effort to turn off at Palisades Creek or head past Palisades Dam to turn off at Big Elk Creek. We’ll discuss these two creeks together because they are alike in many ways. For the next few weeks, flavs (western green drakes) will be emerging from both streams. Both also run through environs loaded with ants, beetles and hoppers. Both feature an evening caddis emergence.  Begin fishing each about mid afternoon after their waters have warmed to levels needed for insect activity. Walk up either at least a mile or two to get into the best fishing.

If you are programmed to head up US 20 to get to the Henry’s Fork or float the lower South Fork, keep on going and at Ashton turn off onto the Mesa Falls Scenic Route. Follow it to about a mile above the Upper Mesa Falls turn-off, then head east on the forest road that takes you to Warm River Spring.  True, a fifteen-incher in the river near the spring will be a braggin’ fish.  But using a light-weight rod in the fast waters just below the spring will have great rewards.

Want to experience a classic desert stream loaded with wild ‘bows and brookies? The Birch Creek family area is even closer that the Henry’s Fork in Island Park. Drive up I-15 to Sage Junction, Head west on Idaho 33 then turn right on Idaho 28 as if going to Salmon. About a mile above Lone Pine look for signs indicating the family fishing area, climb one of the styles to access this wonderful small stream.

Do you miss the thumping hits of those Henry’s Lake cutts? Drive up I-15 to Dubois, turn off, and on the other side of town take the county road to Kilgore. At Kilgore turn west and after a quarter-mile turn right on the Ching Creek Road. Follow it to the Aldous Lake Trailhead. Lash your float tube to a pack-frame, place your waders and fins inside along with leaders, reel and flies. Use your metal rod case as a walking stick, then hike the mile and a quarter uphill to Aldous Lake. True, the cutts within only approach twenty inches, but they are as close in beauty and fighting ability as you can get to their Henry’s Lake brethren.

Want to see some of the prettiest country Wyoming has to offer outside of Yellowstone Park and Jackson Hole? Want to experience a purely Snake River cutthroat experience? Travel east on U. S. 26 to Alpine Wyoming. From there take the Grey’s River Road that parallels the river for nearly fifty miles. This high country stream hosts one of the best populations of Snake River cutts anywhere. They become active each afternoon when water temps warm to levels where aquatic insects become active and when terrestrial insects stir.  

Are you a proponent of Yellowstone Park fly-fishing? There is an excellent reach of Fall River remaining open to fishing above Rainbow Falls.  It’s off the Ashton Flagg Road at an elevation of about seven thousand feet and not far from Lake of the Woods. Do you like to fish in waters having scenic surroundings. The Teton River in Teton Basin remains good fishing, and the surroundings are as beautiful can be found. If you feel obligated to that drift boat you bought for the South Fork, you can launch it here, but the river is better suited to a pontoon boat. Not far away, Bitch Creek remains good fishing above its canyon. The fare is Yellowstone cutts.  The spring-fed upper Buffalo River is loaded with aggressive pan-sized brookies. They are waiting for you to show up with your ultra light rod.  Medicine Lodge Creek tributaries Middle and Indian creeks have inflows from springs that keep their waters at good temps for trout activity.  Over in Montana  a few miles below Raynolds Junction the West fork of the Madison River offers small ,bows and browns in a classic small freestone stream.  Like Birch Creek, it is a great destination for a taking a youngster, a neophyte, or an experienced angler that has forgotten the joys of ultra-light equipment.

So yes there are abundant alternatives to the temporary slow-downs on the South Fork and Henry’s Fork. Contact us, or come into the shop to see fly patterns we have for each, to get details on proper equipment for these waters and for directions on how to travel to each.  We will recommend strategy details on the waters we discuss above or on others we have not. And by visiting them you will learn how truly great this country is when it comes to hosting quality trout waters.

We should be so lucky!

Have Fun But Protect Your Property

It’s been a great fishing season so far and it looks like these good times will continue through the remainder.  We can thank much of it to the abundant snowfall of winter 2005-2006. Let’s hope that we have the same abundance in winter 2006-2007. About the only cloud in the blue sky of this great angling season was the series of break-ins performed by thieves who vandalized vehicles at several boating and walk-in access facilities in the region.

As Bill Quapp stated in a recent communiqué to Snake River Cutthroats members: ”One of the privileges we enjoy while living in Idaho -- and most of the west -- is the general safety for our person(s) and possessions”. 

The chance of losing the privilege Bill speaks of diminishes if we perform certain actions to reduce the likelihood of being victimized in the manner discussed. As Bill suggested in his communiqué, “Buy a high quality magnetic key holder.  Find inconspicuous places (in the gas cap well is too common a location) to hide it and change that location from time to time” (anything that can delay a burglary in the act of happening goes a long way in preventing it). All this applies whether you prefer walk-in or float fishing. Alternatively, if you use a shuttle service while fishing, make an extra key (cost is about a buck-fifty for a door key) and ask your shuttle driver to keep it during their service. Put angling items such as rod and reel cases, back-up rods, etc., out of sight. Do the same with any valuable clothing items (one victim to the recently stopped caper lost a pair of shoes!). Don’t even bring electronic items such as laptops or ipods along in a vehicle that you intend to leave unattended. Take that wallet with you while fishing. Store it in a secure pocket.  Even if you take a dunking with valuables on your person, a wet wallet or other item is better than one that is stolen.  If you can’t place items such as these under a seat or such, or take them with you, cover them with a spread or blanket. The other action you can perform that benefits all persons using unattended parking facilities is to be vigilant. Take note of any action you believe to be suspicious. Write down, as soon as possible, all details that arouse your suspicions as well as identity information. Remember, burglar-vandals are typically dumb bozos (smart ones become hackers) that soon succumb to greed or make characteristic mistakes. In the unlikely event that you are unfortunate enough to be a victim, report the act to local authorities immediately.  Even the slightest of clues can put law enforcement professionals a long way on the road to apprehension.

We in eastern Idaho remain relatively free of acts such as those that are discussed above. In many other places they are every day occurrences. Ask Arizona, California, and Colorado anglers about their continued uncertainties in leaving a vehicle unattended.  But we do go through this once in a while. So keep your guard up and heed the simple steps like those discussed above that go a long way in aiding prevention.  And hope for another winter of great snowfalls!

Winter/Spring Fishing 

by Bruce Staples

Big Boost for Winter and Early Spring Fishing in East Idaho!  That big boost is the fact that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDF&G) has opened the entire South Fork reach of the Snake River (Palisades Dam to the Henry’s Fork confluence) to year-round fishing. This began on New Year’s Day, 2004 and is part of IDG&G’s fisheries plan to manage the South Fork in a manner that protects the native cutthroat trout population. IDF&G’s philosophy is that allowing a year-round take of rainbows will do much to control their numbers. Here are details that apply (only to the South Fork) with respect to keeping and releasing major trout species. Cutthroat trout are under a strict catch and release regulation.  Brown trout under 16” must be returned alive to the stream, but two browns over 16” may be in the daily creel limit. There is no limit on creeling rainbow or cutthroat-rainbow hybrids. Thus no limit on rainbow and hybrid possession allows the angler to do much in controlling their numbers in the river. IDF&G suggests that if an angler does not reduce creeled rainbows to table fare, they will be appreciated as donations to local food kitchens.   These can be reached in Idaho Falls by telephoning 557-5750 and 522-8465.

Research conducted by the IDF&G and angler observations indicate that the number of cutthroat trout in the South Fork are diminishing dangerously, particularly in the reach above Heise, Idaho that was formerly under a winter angling closure regulation.  Major reasons for diminishing cutthroats in the river are the increasing rainbow trout population and the fact that both species spawn at approximately the same time and many times in the same places.  Also, flow management practices from Palisades dam appear to favor rainbow spawning over cutthroat spawning.  IDF&G is negotiating with water users to return flows, as much as possible, to a more natural profile to which the cutthroat are naturally adjusted. Note that South Fork tributaries remained closed as in the past to protect spawning cutthroats.  Consult with current Idaho fishing regulations to determine when these waters open for fishing.  All these management tools are meant to preserve the South Fork drainage Yellowstone cutthroat population which along with those in the Upper Yellowstone River drainage are the largest remaining in the world.

Strategies for fly-fishing success on this newly opened reach are taking shape. With increasing snow melts, more places to launch boats for drift fishing and locations for wading access on the South Fork will be available. On “bluebird days” midge and blue winged olive emergences can provide great activity. Under low light conditions, such as cloudy days and early mornings and during evenings, presenting streamers and wet attractors into holding water can result in responses from large browns, hybrids and rainbows.  Visit our shop or contact us (208-524-7160, jimmys@ida.net ) for up to date information on South Fork fly-fishing conditions and strategy details.  

The South Fork is not the only eastern Idaho water open to anglers during winter and early spring.  Birch Creek is designated “Family Fishing Water” and thus is open year round. This means also during winter, but at that time take special precautions for weather changes.  Much of Springfield Reservoir remains ice-free through winter. The Henry’s Fork from its South Fork confluence upstream to the Vernon Bridge and from the Ashton Dam to the Riverside Campground is open to year-round fishing. Likewise the main stem Snake River throughout eastern Idaho is open to year-round angling. Both float fishing and wade fishing can be enjoyed on these waters. Many of our still waters remain open to year-round angling, and as winter changes to spring become increasingly attractive to visit. Consult IDF&G regulations to find other waters open to winter fishing. We have strategy information on all these waters, and we certainly will share this information with you.  Visit us at 275 A Street, downtown Idaho Falls, or get in touch by phoning 208-524-7160, or electronically through jimmys@ida.net.