“It’s those changes in latitude, changes in attitude…nothing remains quite the same” ~ Jimmy Buffett
Change is good and subtle increases in water temperatures have truly accelerated the baetis emergence. Alongside prolific daily midge hatches, anglers can now compliment their already fine dry fly experience with a little mid-day blue winged olive fishing. The inaugural baetis of spring pop out larger than their fall kin so don’t hesitate to offer fish imitations in the #16-18 range on initial presentations. Days with a darkened sky and a little moisture will most certainly stimulate bug…and trout activity, and for the foreseeable future, fisherman can expect a daily showing of these tasty ‘lil trout morsels. The following weeks weather calls for more of the same, so grab your dry magic and a handful of blue wings, and get your booty up here for some fantastic fishing with minimal pressure. It’s the cat’s pajamas.
ATTENTION: The Rainbow trout continue their yearly spawn ritual, so don’t be a jabroni and stomp on their redds. Thanks!
UPPER RIVER: The fishing remains strong on the upper reaches of the Henry’s Fork. The Rainbow trout continue to migrate for spawning activity which offers an angler the chance to tie into larger than average trout. Look for midge and blue winged olives to be tempting trout on the surface. For the sub-surface game fish rubber-legs, zebra midges, eggs, leeches and don’t forget to pack a few streamers along.
BOX CANON: The Box continues to flow at 200cfs. The boat ramps are still currently locked up in snow, but the savvy angler can slide a boat or raft in and enjoy, with out a doubt, some rare solitude on this section of river corridor. A standard rubber-leg to zebra midge or PT rig is a sure fire way to hook some trout, but mix it up a bit with small leeches, eggs or even the dubious dirt snake. Stripping streamers dressed as small rainbow trout and sculpin will turn larger trout. Look for fish to be up on midge and baetis through the lower end of the canyon.
LAST CHANCE: The blue wings showed up in force this past week and the trout really seem to be enjoying them. The hours of 11-4 are best, but don’t hesitate to offer baetis patterns to working trout throughout the day. Strong midge hatches continue as well, so be sure to have a selection of those when you head out. The trout are in wonderful shape and the big boys still demand a stealthy approach, long leader and flawless drag free drift.
WARM RIVER – ASHTON: This stretch offers anglers one of the better early season float options. Prospect with with a fluffy skwalla dry and a zebra midge or PT dropper. On cloudier days, the streamer fishing can be down right fast & furious. Standard mixed rubber-leg to dropper nymph set-ups will keep the rod bent and on certain days, the trout can really get going on midge and baetis hatches.
LOWER RIVER: Another awesome float option and the dry fly fishing has certainly turned on. Have midge and baetis life cycle imitations and some skwalla’s too. It’s best on cloudy days, but an angler can find heads up on almost any given day right now. Days with a darker sky also dictate a streamer approach and those big spring browns are hungry for some big food. A rubber-leg and small BH midge, PT or leech will catch plenty of trout as well.
If you’re in the area, stop by and see us for real time conditions, the finest tackle or to browse our famous fly selections. It’s also a great time of year to take advantage of our discounted early season guide rates. See you soon!
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