Mainstem Snake River 4-24-10
Because of increased flows out of Palisades Reservoir and the beginning of run-off the river flow is up from Menan to Blackfoot. Wading is still possible, but fishing has slowed a bit. Streamers are still the best bet. Look for flows to increase (because of downstream irrigation demands) making walk-in wade fishing tougher as we advance through the spring season.
Still Waters 4-24-10
As streams succumb to run-off and irrigation water, our reservoirs will become more important as fishing destinations. Some including Chesterfield and 24-Mile recently became ice free and best fishing is yet to come. The upper end of Daniels Res. is beginning to produce for those using small leech and damselfly patterns. Don’t overlook using dragonfly nymph patterns in the shallow waters there. Big woolly bugger types an even big stonefly nymph patterns fished slowly along the bottom in a direction toward the shoreline can effectively imitate dragonfly nymphs this time of year. Springfield has recently filled with irrigation sub water. Fishing is a bit slow there but will improve as fish get use to the water change. Midges are active there. Damselfly nymphs will become active soon. Best reservoir fishing in the region currently is at Hawkins Res. Fish are moving toward the dam to look for spawning areas. Damselfy nymph, small leech and BLM patterns are effective when fished on intermediate or faster sinking lines.
South Fork 4/23
Flows are at 2100 cfs. This is not really effecting the fishing on the river right now. The water temp is still around 38 degrees which is keeping the trout from getting very active. There is runoff water coming into the system from Rainy Creek and Fall Creek and the other tributaries. The water clarity is off color but the fish are still eating. Blue Wing Olives are hatching on the lower river and fish are up on them. Nymphing is still the best option for hooking fish on the upper South Fork. For up to the minute reports call us at the shop.
Main Stem Snake River 4-20-10
Flows are up a bit, but not enough to influence trout activity. Likewise, some canals along the lower reaches are open meaning lower river flows for the time being. Streamers are your best choice to encounter big browns and ‘bows. Anywhere you can find access on the river from Menan to Tilden Bridge you will find action through using them. There is a lot of river here, so get in touch with us or come into the shop. We will recommend places to fish based on the information that is coming in.
Henry’s Fork 4-20-10
Warmer weather has made fishing the river from Warm River to below St. Anthony a great choice. Remember the closure in effect between the Vernon Bridge and Ashton Dam until general season. There is plenty of access to enjoy the BWOs especially because Fall River runoff has not begun. Weather coming up the next few days should be ideal for BWO emerging in the late PM after winds die. Streamers will be effective up & down the river, and above the Chester backwaters be sure to have big stonefly nymph patterns. Hard to believe, but these big nymphs will begin to move in numbers in about a month.