For up to the minute fishing conditions, please call 

208-524-7160 or email us at: jimmys@ida.net

Summer Shop Hours are 

9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday Through Saturday  

FLY PATTERNS TO USE for SOUTH FORK

Streamers:

Black or Brown Prince-of-a- Bugger #4 and 6

Beadhead peacock leech #6-8

Conehead Zuddlers #2 and 4

Deleckta's Black Bugger #4

Clouser Minnow, various colors #2-6

J J Special #2-6

Trina's Rubber Bugger #2-6

Galloup's Sex Dungeon #2-6

CFO String streamer Olive or gray #2

Double Bunny #2

Nymphs:

Bennett's Brown Rubber Legs, brown-brown, orange-brown, #4-6

Cooper John, red or yellow #12-16

Yellow Sally nymphs#10-12

Orange or Red Glo Bugs dropped behind a big rubber leg nymph.

Black Mega Prince Nymph #4 and 6

Copper Mega Prince Nymph #4 and 6

Dries (Start thinking big stoneflies!):

Stonefly Patterns:

CFO Hummer Stone #4 & 6

Berry's Hedge Hog #4 & 6

Thing from Uranus  #4 & 6

Hummer Stone #4 & 6

King Kong Stone  #4 & 6

Gould's Half Down Stone #4 & 6

The South Fork

Anybody with that hat and a good C&R fish goes on this web site!

Here is contact information for South Fork shuttle services:

Palisades Dam To Byington: Julie's 483-2903

Conant to Menan reaches: Steve Johnson 538-5038

7-7-08

Best chance now to encounter fish taking big stoneflies and golden stones is from Byington to Heise. But this will move upstream into the canyon in a few days.  Fishing in the river below Lorenzo has slowed down. Palisades Reservoir is nearly filled, and inflow still exceeds outflow. Estimates are that the reservoir will fill early next week, with flows in and out about equal. There are no plans to let large amounts of water out of Palisades. So it is probable that flows out of Palisades will not be a major factor impacting fishing in the near future.

7-3-08

Based on reports coming in, fish are taking adult stone patterns very well on the lower river, but you can bet that "the hatch" will approach the canyon by this weekend. So if you fish there have both nymphs and adult patterns for the big bugs. See the pane on the left for patterns we recommend. Remember, the big stones do not move up the river as on the Henry's Fork. There will be places where the emergence is thin , then places where it will be thick. Thus it is a good idea to have flies for other food forms including sallys, caddis and streamers. Take 'em all!

If you want the best up to date info on progress of this great event, get in touch, or come into the shop and visit.

There is a happy conclusion to the lost rod request you see on the report for 6-30-08. Rod and owner were reunited though actions of a person who helps make this a sport of gentlemen and ladies. The image of fly-fishing is also a winner when positive actions such as this return happen, and we are honored to be able to take part in them. So if you lose a valued fly-fishing item, let us know so we can try to help a return through notice on this web site. 

7-2-08

The are stones are out now in good numbers around Twin Bridges. The hatch should proceed up river now over the next two weeks until it hits Palisades Dam.

The Canyon section is still fishing good with stone nymphs. There are a few sallies and pale morning duns now in the riffles and with the warmer weather the next few days we could see the riffles in the upper stretches start to produce.

7-1-08

With each passing day there are a few more bugs flying on the lower river below Byington. On this stretch of the river the hatch comes off in certain spots and not all all in other places so its tricky to say if the bugs are really out or not. Yesterday we saw a few more people using dries(some said they moved fish) but most are still going the nymph routine and doing quite well. We continue to get very good reports from folks fishing the canyon sections with rubber legs, Super X's and streamers.

6-30-08

Flow remains the same, and the big bugs are just beginning to emerge on the lower River. A few goldens and yellow sallys are showing up. Also some PMD's are making an appearance there. The water is just a degree or two from warming up enough to make the the bugs hatch. For now the nymphing we describe in recent reports remains effective.

Hey folks; we gotta report a fly rod lost on the South Fork. It's a Sage 690 SP, and was lost in a bush from a passing boat. Location is about 1.5 miles north of Byington on the north bank. Get in touch with us if you find it, and we'll pass your info on to the person who lost it. Should be good for some of your favorite libation, at least.  

 6-26-08

Flow is constant, presenting nymphs and streamers deep near banks is productive, but no stoneflies yet. Fishing in the canyon is picking up considerably. Size 4 rubberlegs, brown and orange or brown followed by a dropper  work well. Fish are also keying in on droppers. Try the Yellow Flash Sally. Also any copper john dropper will work.  Yellow sallys are emerging, making droppers effective. Concentrate  deep on banks having slow water.  A few olive duns are emerging. No big stonefly emerging yet, but any day now.

6-23-08

Flows are remaining quite constant. We do not recommend going into the south channel that takes you to Twin Bridges. If you do so, plan to push your boat over gravel bars for a for several hundred yards until you pass under the south twin bridge and into to ramp below the bridge. Ironically you can still put in at Twin Bridges because enough water seeps through the gravel from the north channel  into the river bed of the south channel. The water is low until a small channel from the north enters the south channel about 300 yards below the twin bridges ramp. From that point the river is very floatable down to the confluence of the north and south channels. No stoneflies to speak of on the lower river, but they will begin any day now.  The same strategy as for the past several days works; big nymphs with a bead head dropper or streamers or  worms deep & close to the banks.

6-19-08

Here's a word of caution.  At our current flows of 12000 cfs out of Palisades and around 14000 cfs at Heise, the south channel at the Twin Bridges site remains  difficult for boat launching because most of the river flows through the north channel.   Also, we don't recommend floating through this channel, stay to the right and go through the north channel.  It appears that this situation will stay with us throughout the season. Other than that, the upper river remains the best fishing. Use big nymphs with bead head droppers. Fish 'em deep near banks and cover. No sign of the big stoneflies in the air, yet, but some folks report success on the lower river with the nymph combinations just suggested. 

6-16-08

The flow out of Palisades has been around 12000 cfs for more than a week. This means good fishing from the Dam downstream at least to the canyon. Big nymphs with a beadhead dropper or a streamer, heavy like a clouser, will do the trick. Give about a week to ten days, and look for big stoneflies to start on the lower river.

6-12-08

Flow out of Palisades Dam is at 12000 cfs, with 13800 cfs at Heise. There is good fishing from a boat when one pounds the banks at depth with big nymphs and streamers. Try from the dam down to Conant. Or if you have time, Conant to Byington. Look for good weather this weekend to get out and enjoy this great river.

6-09-08

Flow out of Palisades Dam is down to 12500 cfs, low enough to consider getting back on the river.  The reach from the dam down to Huskey is quite clear. Big streamers and nymphs fished near banks and deep will be the best choice.  Below here such as Palisades, Fall, Rainey and Pine creeks put in a bit of discolored water but the same strategy of close to the bank with big flies fished deep works. But be patient; the stonefly event is only weeks away.  We'll post info on it as soon as we get it! We'll also have strategy gems and the flies and equipment you need to enjoy it. Get in touch or c'mon in & talk to us.

6-07-08

The river is now at 14,600 and considerably becoming clearer by the day. If you are looking for a place that is less crowded a float through the canyon is a good alternative. Between now and the stonefly hatch in late June we should have some very good Nymph and streamer fishing on the South Fork. Consider fishing a two fly rig for example: two rubber legs about 18 inches apart, or a rubber leg with a glo bug dropper. Your nymphing options are endless. Fish the slower water next to the shore from the boat and stop and wade the riffles. Fish streamers along the bank, and the tail outs of riffles. Try different sizes of streamers, and vary the stripping speed.

6-05-08

The flush flows are being ramped down now. 15000 cfs is coming out of Palisades Dam, and at Heise flow is around 17000 cfs. All this helps keep rainbow numbers down and rejuvenates the cottonwood forest which is so much the part of the South Fork's beauty and such an important host for its wildlife.  There are better places to fish right now (see reports on Henry's Fork, Henry's Lake and still waters below), but it won't be long before the South Fork is back in top fishing shape. We'll keep you posted on conditions there. It won't be long, so come in and talk to us about strategy and patterns.

6-02-08

The flush is on going (17,100 cfs out of the dam this AM), so forget any presentations at or close to the surface! If you fish deep with big nymphs or streamers close to banks and cover, you just may encounter something like Dan did last Wednesday when the river was on the way up. See the pic above of the gorgeous brown he fooled with a white circus peanut.

Caddis Patterns:

Tan or grey Improved X-caddis #14 and 16

Harrop's Grey Henry's Fork Caddis #14-18

CDC Bubbleback Caddis Pupa #14. Tan or Grey

Mayfly Patterns:

Gray drake sparkle spinner #12

Gray drake hackled spinner #12

Gray drake dun #12

Harrop's Last Chance Cripple Flav #14

Harrop's Last Chance Cripple PMD #14

CDC Biot Flav Emerger #14-16

Nymphs:

Beadhead Prince nymph #14 -16

PT Nymph#14-18

Deleckta's  Mega Prince Nymph #6

Bennett's Brown Rubber leg #4 and #6

Copper John, red or copper,#14-16

Gold Spitfire, #16-18

Prince nymph, #10-16

Lightining Bug, #12-16

Green drake nymph #10

Black Montana Prince #14-16

Streamers:

Chartreuse Clouser Minnow  #6 and 8

Light Brite  Clouser Minnow #6 and 8

Beadhead Peacock Leech #6

Black/White Double Bunny #2 and 4

Conehead Muddlers #2 and 4

The Henry's Fork

Because the season for float-fishing the river is upon us, here is contact information for Henry's Fork shuttle service:

C&D Shuttle:351-4128

                      652-3605

Idaho Irrestistible:652-3669

7-7-08

Again, we must recommend the lower river for the best fishing. Gray drake spinners in the evening, flavs, PMDs caddis and a few terrestrials (ants, beetles) during the daytime.  From Ashton Dam to Chester Dam is producing best, especially for the gray drakes. Warm River to Ashton has been producing, too.  We haven't heard about a big brown drake emergence on the Harriman reach of the Henry's Fork, but flavs, PMD's and caddis are keeping things going at least below Osborne Bridge. Some golden stoneflies remain in the Box Canyon.

7-3-08

Big news here is that the lower river is great fishing. Below Ashton dam gray drakes are coming out as well as we have seen in recent years, and fish are responding. Evenings are best for the gray drakes. See our recommendations for gray drake patterns on the left pane.  In addition, fish are taking green drakes, PMDs, and caddis. These are day time events. So no matter what time of day you are on the river, you have a chance for action. On the upper river the big stoneflies are pretty much gone. In Box Canyon goldens are still around, and the same with yellows sallys. Last Chance-Harriman features PMDs & caddis with a few flavs showing up. Best fishing is below Osborne Bridge. If you fish below Riverside, you will find solitude and action if you have caddis life cycle patterns, traditional attractors, sally patterns and two-nymph (prince, hare's ears, etc with beadhead) dropper rigs.

6-30-08

Big news here is the gray drake emergence between Ashton and Chester dams!  It's just beginning. Get out & enjoy it now because soon there will be as many anglers as gray drakes on this stretch of river.  Up above, the best fishing is below the Osborne Bridge during evenings: PMD spinners, caddis, etc, and hopefully some brown drakes will begin to appear.  Henry's Lake outlet through the Flat Ranch and Last Chance-Harriman S. P. are slow fishing.  But it does not matter where you fish on the upper river, be sure to have an adult stonefly pattern or two handy. There are stragglers around and trout could come up to the one you offer.

6-26-08

There is some pretty good fishing on the upper river in the Last Chance to Riverside section. Caddis and PMD's are bringing fish up. Use life cycle patterns, and keep a few big stonefly patterns handy as stragglers are around , and fish'll respond. Doesn't look like there will be a blanket green drake event this season.  The lower river has slowed some. There are a few green drakes & flavs, lots'a caddis & PMDs. No significant gray drakes yet, and it is getting late.

6-23-08

The big stonefly event is pretty much over, but fish will take stragglers in locations such as the Box Canyon and from Riverside to Warm River.  Caddis and PMD life cycle patterns are bringing most action up and down the river. Don't expect a big green drake event on the upper river because weed beds have diminished so much.  No gray drakes are appearing on the lower river, and only a few green drakes there, too.

6-19-08

No significant drake hatches yet below Ashton Dam, but good action can be had by presenting large nymphs including golden stone patterns around cover. If you wish to fish dries PMD and caddis patterns will bring action, and don't overlook presenting a giant or golden adult pattern around cover.  Likewise, no significant drake emergences on the upper river where PMDs and caddislife cycle pattern bring the best action.   Want a change of pace to still water? The Green Canyon road is now open, so "The Fingers" on the west end of Island Park Res. can be easily reached.

6-16-08

Wait about a week and green drakes should begin emerging below Last Chance. Right now PMD's, caddis and a few march browns are bugs bringing action around Last chance-Harriman. The stoneflies are flying in Box Canyon, but nearly as many anglers as stoneflies are present.  No drakes, green or gray on the lower river yet. Caddis and PMDs are bringing action. The stonefly emergence is about over on the lower river, but keep some adult patterns in your fly box  because fish will be looking for stragglers.

6-12-08

Our cool weather with snow in Island Park has stalled the stonefly event. BUT beginning this weekend we are looking for a turn around to good weather. Look for this to put stoneflies into the air and onto the water. Strongly consider getting out to such as Mesa Falls to Warm River, Riverside to Hatchery Ford, Box Canyon, even Coffee Pot area as fish in these places will be looking for the active adult stoneflies. A few PMD's are appearing up and down the river. No word on gray or green drakes yet, but we'll keep you posted when we hear about them.

6-09-08

Cool weather slows the big bug hatch from time to time.  But when warmer days come about, they fly and fish get on them. Adults are active in Box Canyon during the nicer days, but during those with snow and hail they want to sit at home just like you! So pick the nicer days, and come on up and enjoy this great once-a-year event.  Don't forget there are also plenty of active caddis on the river, so be sure to bring their life cycle patterns.

6-05-08

Look at these pics above of what's been happening on the Henry's Fork from Mesa Falls on down to the top of Chester backwaters! With the cool weather, this reach and that up to Riverside (sorry, no browns there) will produce good fishing for a while longer as bugs are not as available to fish as during warmer days. It's gonna take longer for them to fill up. For this weekend, also consider Box Canyon if you do not mind crowds.   The river is in great shape for the hatch, so get out and enjoy! The nymph fishing is great on the upper parts of the river, but the real fun comes when the takes are on the surface. Because of the cool weather action will be best beginning mid day. Watch for rises near overhead cover and and near banks as the tip-off that fish are on the adults. Any large adult pattern will do, and hang on.  Come in and talk strategy and patterns with us.

6-03-08

The adult giant stoneflies continue to cause excitement among anglers. The latest word is that the hatch has moved above Mesa Falls. As the hatch continues up stream you will need to work harder to catch fish on the lower river. Don't forget to throw nymphs. Remember the caddis, and some mayflies are still hatching. With all the pressure that the stonefly hatch brings, the trout will become picky and weary. Look for trout to be holding in tough water making it hard to get a good drift. Also try mixing up the fly presentation. Try a golden stone, most often trout will be curious to see something new. Fish hard and work the structure in the water to find success. Call the shop with any questions and up to date fishing reports.

FLY PATTERNS FOR HENRY'S LAKE (we stock all these):

California Leech #8

Sutherlin's Purple, Black or Olive Mohair Leech #6

Halloween Leech

Collaborator midge pupa, #12-#14

Bead head peacock leech #8

Frost Bite midge pupa, #12 and #14, in red, black & chormie

Morrison High Voltage midge pupa, #12-#14

Henry's Lake

7-7-08

Damselsflies are the name of the game these days, and the west side of the lake is best. Between the Duck Creek area to the County Boat Dock is a good choice to try. Just look for spring holes and channels between weed beds.

7-3-08

Damselflies are coming off well especially along the west shoreline. Look for spring holes and channels through the weeds. Other than that, leech patterns are taking fish out in the lake. Black leeches seem best. 

6-30-08

Damselflies are beginning to move. Go to the west side of the lake to get in on the beginning of the action. Look for spring holes and channels between the weed beds. This coming weekend should be when action really gets going.

6-26-08

Damselflies should start any time now. Watch the west side of the lake for the beginning of action. Midge activity has slowed fishing a bit, but trolling remains effective, particularly near the cliffs.

6-23-08

No big change here. But as weed growth progresses trolling will become tougher. Damselflies should begin attracting fish soon.

6-19-08

Get out in that boat and troll streamer and wooly bugger types for the best chance to find action. No significant damselfly emergence yet.

6-16-08

Time to think trolling, so get out on the lake with your sinking lines, favorite leech or streamer pattern, and troll slowly. In about two weeks think damselfly emergence, and plan your fishing strategy accordingly.

6-12-08

Fish appear to be moving away from shorelines. It's been a good run for shoreline fishing.  Now it is time to think trolling streamer flies. We are a few weeks away form the peak of the damselfly emergence, but we will keep on top of its beginning and report what we hear. Flow through Henry's Lake Outlet is up to 120 cfs. It might be worth trying the stretch through the Flat Ranch this weekend!

6-09-08

Shoreline fishing is still holding up some if you can stand the weather!  There are all kinds of stories about what leech or streamer pattern to use. Just use one in which you have confidence, and because you will be fishing shallow water, an intermediate line will work it just fine.  By the way, there now is about 90 cfs going down Henry's Lake Outlet. Give things a few days to stabilize there, then try the reach going through the Flat Ranch. Lake fish will be in there, so use the same flies you use on the lake.

6-05-08

Shoreline fishing is still producing, but will end when the midge emergence comes into full stride. This can happen soon, so maybe now is the time to get to the lake for walk-in fishing. Bring your favorite leech, scud and streamer patterns with an intermediate or full sink line. Try the north shore, the county boat dock area, around the State Park, and between the cliffs and Hope Creek to take advantage of fish near shore.

6-02-08

Fishing around the lake has slowed some as fish are moving into deeper waters.  But there are still some hatchery-released cutts hanging around the shoreline.  Best location to find them seems to be near the State Park. As we warm up it will become more likely that heading to deeper waters around the lake will be the best way for action.

 PATTERNS FOR BIG LOST RIVER

Midge Patterns:

Harrop's CDC emerging midge, lt. dun  #18-20

Harrop's CDC spentmidge, gray  #18-20

Griffith's gnat #18-20

Tungsten Z-bro midge black or red #16-18

Big Lost River

7-07-08

Flow out of Mackay Dam has dropped a bit, but not enough to make walk-in fishing practical.

7-03-08

Still treacherous wading below Mackay Dam, but the reservoir has been good fishing. Try leech and midge life cycle patterns in transition waters near upper end.

6-30-08

Flow out of Mackay Dam remains too high for easy walk-in fishing.

6-26-08

The flow out of Mackay Dam, over 700 cfs, makes walk-in fishing almost impossible.

6-19-08

Flow out of Mackay Dam is now over 700 cfs. That tells the story about wadeability below the Dam!

6-16-08

Flow out of Mackay Dam is about 430 cfs. That's a bit high for comfortable wading.

5-30-08

With a bit over 400 cfs flowing out of Mackay Dam, fly-fishing on the river below is on hold. Best bet might be to try the reservoir and present leech and streamer patterns (using an intermediate line) on the upper end near the inlets and near the shoreline.

Fall River Bug Hatch is Over

Fort Hall Reservation Waters

Season permits sold out weeks ago. Day permits at $35 will be available through the season.

7-07-08

PMD's remain the feature, but fishing is tough. Evenings are best. Too bad mosquitos are not what fish will key on. Bring your DEET!

6-26-08

Caddis & PMDs are quite active, and fish are responding. However, strong winds can slam the door on the activity, so consider evenings and early mornings as best times to be there.

6-23-08

Good response to PMDs!  Evenings are best.

6-16-08

This warm weather should start things going. No real action yet for dry fly fishing.

6-12-08

Wind and cool weather has had a tough impact on fishing here. Look for an improvement as we warm up, especially with respect to fish responding to emerging caddisflies and mayflies.

6-02-08

Big PMD's and caddis are out. Best time to take advantage of them is when the wind is not blowing. Good Luck!

Patterns for DANIELS, 24-Mile,Cherstefield,& Springfield RESERVOIRs (we stock all these):

Lake Midge Patterns:

Black or red frost bite chironomid pupa #12-16

Collaboration midge pupa #12 and 14

Tan or Olive Damsel Nymphs #10 and 12

Chan's Red Midge Pupa #12 and 14

Chan's Black Midge Pupa #12 and 14 

Sutherlin's Purple mohair Leech #6

Canadian Mohair Leech #6 and 8

Leech Patterns

Bead Peacock leech #6-10

Black, brown and purple mohair leeches #6-10

Halloween Leech #6-12

Patterns for Warm Waters

(We stock 'em, too!)

Green Sparkleback Beetle #12-14

Bluegill Popper #8-10

Tomsus Frog (The epitome of a foam-tied fly!) #2

Spiders in black, white, or yellow #10-12

Bluegill Candy #10

Cortland Bass Popper #2=6

Adult Damselfly #10

Beadhead Damselfly Nymph  #12

  Still Waters

7-07-08

Damselflies are the name of the game just about everywhere. And on top of that the bluegills are really active in such as Twin Lakes, Lamont, Johnson, Glendale and Foster reservoirs!

7-03-08

Damselflies are providing the best action almost everywhere: Chesterfield, Daniels, Hawkins, Twenty-four mile are all producing well. Expect the peak of activity to come soon now that we are into warm weather times. Bluegills are providing lots'a action on Twin Lakes, Lamont, Johnson, Glendale and Foster reservoirs.

6-30-08

It's damselflies everywhere now! Around the willows at Chesterfield should be targeted, and the upper bay is beginning to yield some of the big bows that make this reservoir so famous. Twenty-Four Mile is producing, even for those walking the banks. The upper end of Daniels is a great location for damsels, and the west side bay is beginning to produce.  Leech patterns work. Bring your favorites to see which ones are best. Springfield has slowed a bit.

For warm water (bass, bluegills, crappie, etc) enthusiasts, Twin Lakes (gets crowded) Lamont & Johnson reservoirs continue to produce.

6-26-08

Big news here is that Twin Lakes bluegills have "woken up"! Fishing for them has been great, so expect crowds. If these get too big for your comfort, head to Lamont and Johnson reservoirs near Preston where resident bluegills are now active.  Other big news is that the damselfly emergence is going strong on Chesterfield, Twenty-Four Mile, Daniels and Hawkins reservoirs.   Damselfly action on Chesterfield's upper bay is taking off. On all these waters green apple leeches and halloween leeches are also effective.

6-23-08

Fish are beginning to respond to damselflies almost everywhere.  Speckled duns are also becoming important when winds calm down. Chesterfield is still a bit slow, but as we warm up look for it to really pick up.

6-19-08

The Green Canyon road is now open, so "The Fingers" on the west end of Island Park Reservoir can be easily reached. We have no reports of fishing success there yet. All reservoirs to the southeast (Chesterfield, 24-Mile, Hawkins, Daniels, Twin Lakes, Condie, Springfield, Glendale, etc) are warming with damselflies emerging.  Consider Ririe Reservoir for smallmouth bass. They are not huge, but they are lively.

6-16-08

This warm weather is just what is needed to bring on the damselflies and star bluegills moving into shallow water. The upper end of Daniels remains about the best with Twenty-four mile and Hawkins being good.  Springfield is spotty with midge life cycle patterns being the best bet. Chesterfield needs warmer weather, and so does Twin Lakes. It's coming, so look for Chesterfield to pick up soon.

6-12-08

Not much change here. We need that promised warm weather to get the bluegills going and the fish to respond to damselflies. Relief from the wind would also help in making still water fishing enjoyable, too.  Right now, Carey Lake provides the best warm water fishing in the area.

6-09-08

The cool weather has slowed the damsel fly emergence on all the reservoirs below Pocatello. So stick to your leech patterns until the weather warms up.  Bluegills have yet to move in to spawn in Twin Lakes. They are still in deep water. Bass and Crappie are active, though.

6-05-08

No real change here. Cool weather is helping the trout fishing on Chesterfield, Twenty-four mile, Hawkins, Daniels and Springfield, but slowing the fishing for bluegills in most reservoirs.  We cannot recommend Treasureton because of the massive fish kills happening there a late in the winter.  Crappies and bass remain active at Twin Lakes.

Firehole River: BWO life cycle patterns, small beadhead leeches

Lewis River: Streamer & bugger patterns

Lewis and Shoshone lakes: small leach and scud patterns, streamer in large sizes in the fall months

Fall River basin streams: PMD life cycle and yellow sally emerger patterns

Madison River: Beadhead Peacock Leech, #4-6

clouser, soft hackle, and wooly bugger types, #4-6

Beula Lake: Speckled dun emergers and duns, small leech patterns.

We have specific patterns for Yellowstone waters. Come in and talk to us about  recommendations.

 Yellowstone Park

7-07-08

Big news here is that the Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road is now open. That means Beula Lake can now be approached. Elsewhere, waters are dropping, but not quite ready in such as Fall River Basin, Gallatin River drainage, Lamar River drainage, and the Snake River drainage.  The Madison in the Park is producing thanks to PMDs. Cougar, Duck and Grayling creeks are fishing well on the west side of the Park.  Grebe and Cascade lakes are having damselfly and speckled dun emergences which will bring on the grayling.

7-03-08

Waters are dropping at a good rate on all streams draining high country. Look for Fall River Basin streams, Slough Creek, Gallatin River, and upper Gardner River to shape up soon. Shoshone and Lewis lakes are fishing well for those getting out to drop-off areas and weed beds where browns and juvenile lake trout hang out.  Best bet now are Duck & Cougar creeks, the Firehole and the Madison rivers. 

6-30-08

The Firehole is producing but slowing. Same with the Madison. Waters are dropping everywhere, but it will be a while before the likes of Slough Creek, the Gallatin drainage, and the Fall River Basin streams are in fishing condition. Streams draining lower elevations including Duck and Cougar creeks, and Lewis River between the lakes, are good choice to visit. Shoshone Lake is great fishing for those getting out on the water by canoe, float tube or such. Find a weed bed, use small leech and scud patterns on a fast full sink line to get deep. Use a slow retrieve and hang on as juvenile lake trout running up to 22" and browns up to bit more respond. And remember those lake trout are great eating!

6-26-08

It's a totally different year than last year!  The Ashton-Flagg Road remains closed. There won't be a fishing curtailment in the immediate future because of warm waters.  Runoff is still going on, and will make some waters unattractive for fishing for a while yet. Fall River Basin streams are much higher than normal, but this bodes well for a great late season. It's the same with any Park stream draining high country.  The most abundant emergence going on through the Park is that of mosquitos. So repellent is about as necessary as rod & reel.  Best choices right now are pretty much in the Madison River drainage. The Firehole will begin to warm up, but caddis, BWOs, and PMDs are bringing interest. The brown drakes should begin their appearance on meadow reaches of the Gibbon and on Duck Creek any day.  Cougar Creek has some surprising fish if you know how to approach it. Elsewhere, putting a float tube on Shoshone & Lewis lakes can be productive if you use a full sink line or walk the shorelines under low light conditions.

6-23-08

A few stoneflies are on the Madison in the Park, but the PMD emergence is the major attraction for trout there. Caddis and PMDs on the Firehole are keeping fishing going there. Duck Creek and Cougar Creek are good fishing with wet flies, but be careful of bears in the area.  Like any park stream draining high country, Fall River Basin streams are all at "high tide" and will remain that way for a while.

6-19-08

Fall River Basin streams will remain at "high tide" until all that snow on the Madison and Pitchstone plateaus melts and comes down. The Firehole is a bit high and tea-colored, but fishing well.  Try PMD life cycle patterns on the upper Madison River. Stoneflies are emerging in the Firehole river Canyon. Better hurry, this event goes by the boards quickly! Plan on walking through snow banks if you venture into Shoshone Lake.

6-16-08

Fishing on the Firehole is holding up well, but warmer weather is here, so look for things to tail off soon. On the Madison River, PMDs have made an appearance and fish are beginning to respond. Water levels are good ther, and melting snow is making other places approachable. Duck and Cougar creeks are fishable and producing. If you try them , do so with caution because bears remain in the area. They will go to higher elevations with warmer weather. Fall River Basin streams and the Gallatin drainage are still high with runoff.

6-12-08

High waters remain on all streams. Best streams will be the Firehole and the Lewis rivers.  Caddis and BWO life cycle stuff will be best on the Firehole with streamers and wooly-bugger types best on the Lewis where you will need your X-country skis. We'll have more info as the week progresses, but with the cool weather staying for the next few days don't look for much of a change.

Bead head prince nymph  #12-16

Copper john  #12-16

Renegade #10

Humpy (all colors) #10-16

Cinnamon or Black Ant, #14-16

Elden's Hopper #8-10

Yoshi's Tan Caddis #12 and 14

Yoshi's Black Caddis #12 and #14

Beadhead Peacock Leech # 8, 10

Small Streams

Look at Jordan's smile! You'll smile too when you take a kid fishing.

You don't have to be a kid to enjoy Birch Creek!

7-07-08 

Except for Teton Basin streams draining the west slope of the Grand Teton range, nearly all are in good shape.   The candidates to fish here are almost endless in number. The best way to choose one is to get in touch with us to help identify the one that best suits your preference.

7-03-08

Birch Creek, Warm River and Robinson Creek are among the best fishing here. Jackknife, Tincup, and Stump creeks are not far behind. All have PMDs and caddis attracting fish. Some like Robinson, Stump and Jackknife have green drakes. A couple of creeks now open to fishing that have been providing action are Pine and Bear creeks. Fish are pretty much done spawning in these and will work their way downstream. But they will take almost any offering.

6-30-08

Waters are really shaping up here! Robinson Creek is a bit high, but great fishing with beadhead nymphs, caddis & PMD life cycle patterns, and traditional attractors: you name it. Warm River below the spring is fishing very well. Same for the Salt River tribs: Jackknife, Tincup, Stump & Crow creeks.  If it drains lower elevations, go to it!  Warm River is a good choice (caddis & PMDs). So is the Portneuf River (caddis & PMDs).  Remember you must release any Portneuf river cutthroat caught above the Pebble Creek Bridge upstream to the Kelly-Toponce bridge.

6-26-08

Add the Portneuf River to the list of waters we talk of below that are now good fishing. Caddis and PMD's are bringing action there.

6-23-08

A few like Beaver Creek and Warm River (caddis, PMDs & BWOs) are shaping up, but Birch Creek remains the best with its PM BWO emergence and some PMDs.

6-19-08

Birch Creek remains the star of the show here. Afternoons feature emerging BWOs and midges.  As waters drop and warm a bit look for Robinson Creek, Warm River, Partridge Creek, Tincup Creek, Jackknife Creek, Little Lost River to become good choices.  It'll be a while before Teton Valley streams round into shape.

6-09-08

Want to show a kid a good time? Take that youngster to the family area above Lone Pine.  After early afternoon, the BWO's will be active, and any emerger pattern in size 14-16 presented just below the surface will bring hits from brookies and 'bows. A 14-inch fish will be a braggin' fish, but who cares when the action is so good!  And you don't have to be a kid to enjoy it!

6-05-08

Birch Creek remains the best small stream right now.  Any small bead head nymph, or midge or BWO life cycle pattern will do.  Most other streams are high with runoff

Fly Patterns to use for 

The Snake River (We stock all these):

Chartreuse Clouser Minnow  #6 and 8

Light Brite  Clouser Minnow #6 and 8

Beadhead Peacock Leech #6

Black/White Double Bunny #2 and 4

Conehead Muddlers #2 and 4

Midge Patterns:

Harrop's CDC emerging midge, lt. dun  #18-20

Harrop's CDC spentmidge, gray  #18-20

Griffith's gnat #18-20

Tungsten 2-bro midge black or red #16-18

Main Stem Snake River

7-07-08

Best fishing is below Blackfoot and around Tilden Bridge. But we have a few reports of good float fishing results from Shelly to Firth. These are centered around presenting streamers deep near banks.

6-30-08

We have some reports of good streamer fishing around the Tilden Bridge. Fish deep near banks having calmer waters in front.

6-26-08

No change here.

6-23-08

Strictly streamers and big nymphs close to banks and deep.

6-12-08

Dropping a bit because of irrigation demands and because flows out of Palisades Dam are less. Fishing is tough with best chance being streamers close to the banks and deep.

6-02-08

Pretty much done until waters warm and drop. That may not happen until summer. Meanwhile streamers up close to the bank and deep may be the best option.

Fly Patterns to use for 

Salmon River Steelhead  All of these patterns (sizes 4-6) are tied by John Stenersen):

Night Dancer

Juicy Bug

Green Butt Skunk

Purple Golden

Blue Tail Boss

Kaleidoscope

Salmon River Steelhead Fishing

Wait'll this fall!

Southwestern Montana

7-07-08

Best fishing here is during the evening caddis emergence on the Madison below Raynolds Junction. The Hebgen Lake west side bays continue to produce for those presenting leech patterns.

6-30-08

Best fishing on the Madison right now is between Hebgen and Quake lakes. Nymphing is producing, but a lot of folks are giving it a try. Below quake lake  nymphing produces, but the stonefly emergence is just beginning downstream. West side Hebgen Lake bays and South Fork Arm are good for those presenting leech & wooly bugger types.

6-23-08

Not much going on with the Madison River stonefly event, yet. Hebgen Lake is producing for those fishing leech patterns in bays on the west side.

6-19-08

The Beaverhead is good fishing, but public access areas are quite crowded. The Madison River between Hebgen and Quake lakes is good fishing. Use big stonefly nymphs. Madison below Quake Lake is fishing well for those using stonefly nymph patterns.

6-12-08

Good nymph fishing between Hebgen and Quake lakes. Some bows are returning down the Madison into Hebgen Lake. So there is some fishing below Highway 191 north of West Yellowstone. Some bows and browns are being caught from the Hebgen shoreline by those presenting woolly bugger types and streamers. Clark Canyon still producing quite well for those trolling streamer patterns.

If you are interested in the most up-to-date water information from the USGS, check out  http://water.usgs.gov/realtime.html  

This link will connect you with the entire USGS system

Click on the site (below) if you only want the Upper Snake River system. Then click on the specific flow measurement site on the graph to get a graph of the last seven days' flow rates. http://140.218.6.36/hydromet/burtea.html