Author: Todd Lanning

  • Report September 15, 2024

    On my way to work this morning, the new snow on Jefferson Peak tells me that fall is here. Temps have come down, and we have seen some great hail/rain storms. I will be honest with all of you: the fishing has been very tough this season regarding spotting rising fish and casting dry flies…

  • Report 6/16/24

    Report 6/16/24

    The Rail Road Ranch is open for business. Unfortunately, I do not have a substantial report. A slight morning breeze turned into typhoon winds with gusts up to 50mph and blew any hatching bugs into West Yellowstone, Montana! A few brave souls ventured forward despite the wind and, upon return, had very little good to…

  • Report 5/13/24

    The 2024 fishing season has kicked off with some notable changes since my last report. The water flows have significantly decreased, with the Box now at 516cfs and the Henrys Fork below the Ashton Reservoir at 1680cfs. This means all ramps are now open for business. Box Canyon Box Canyon is…

  • Report 5/2/24

    Things have changed a lot since my last report. The Rainbow spawn has wrapped up for the most part, and if you haven’t already heard, the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch is here! This is one of my favorite hatches. I checked the river on Monday and remembered to throw in my gear, thanks to my…

  • Report 4/16/24

    Spring and fall have always been my favorite times of the year. Winter is fun in the beginning, but the excitement soon comes to an end. Summer is also fun, but the August heat gets old quickly. Spring is amazing around our area. Take a drive around, and you see new life everywhere… Newborn…

  • Report 3/27/24

    Is spring upon us? Maybe. The white stuff falling out of the sky today says no, and the 28-degree temps in the morning say Spring is not here. However, Mother Nature has been very moody so far. Three Feet of snow one day and then temps up in the 50s the next day. The fishing…

  • Dear John and Others

    Dear John and Others

    By Steve SchmidtPast owner of Western Rivers Flyfisher, and long time Ranch Regular. Writer, photographer and a flyfisher in progress.Dear John two additional portions of this river that are already under siege. It would also financially impact the shops and guides who make a living from…

  • Report 9/1/23

    It’s September and the fishing has been amazing. The honey ant hatches have been strong and the fish are rising to them as well as this old memory can recall. Current flows out of the Island Park Reservoir are 519 CFS and the lake is at 63% full. Box Canyon The Box continues to fish…

  • Report 7/28/23

    As the end of July approaches, I have to say that it was one for the books. What a difference a record snow year can make. I have always said this is a great fishery just, add water! Box Canyon The flows in the box are 1700 cfs and have been holding steady. This makes…

  • Report 7/16/23

    Box Canyon The river is rising! This week the flows out of the Box Canyon increased from 800 cfs to 1350. I would guess that the bump will kick the golden stone hatch into high gear! While the fishing in the Box has been good, look for fishing to improve day by day. I am…