Category: Harrop’S Forked Tongues

In late August, there is a distinct message when three consecutive mornings are greeted by frost. Naturally there is no point in heading to the water until the temperature lifts to well above the freezing mark if you are looking for dry fly opportunity. With a delay of at least an hour, there…

I entered the business of fly fishing in 1968 at age 23. It was at that point that my livelihood became tethered to a single river and its ability to attract visitors. And in 2016 that has not changed. On the basis of reputation, two days of air travel and considerable financial expense became…

Individually, the events that occur during the final two weeks of June have the ability to establish a sizable swelling in the number of people fishing the Henry’s Fork. Collectively however, the Ranch opening, Henry’s Fork Day, and the Drake hatches give forceful impetus to what can best…

There was a time when Memorial Day weekend was symbolic of the beginning of fishing season. With minor exception, however, fly fishing opportunity on the Henry’s Fork and many other nearby waters are no longer subject to seasonal closure. These days, snow blocked access and weather related…

In the high country, May signifies the true arrival of spring. With Mother’s Day weekend as the annual target date for moving back to our cabin in Last Chance, I am scrambling to wrap up loose ends here in St. Anthony where we spend half of each year. Getting back to the Mountain represents a…

Thus far in 2016, fishing seems to be mostly about adjustment. In contrast to last year at this time when all things pertaining to weather, water, and hatches seemed to be in perfect alignment, the Henry’s Fork has been reluctant to cooperate with the expectations that typically exist at the…

If you ask Bonnie, entering March with more than a foot of snow remaining on the valley floor is not necessarily a bad thing. With many of last year’s indoor chores left unfinished due to a spring that arrived way too early, a different weather pattern this year has kept her easily distracted…

One of the most enjoyable aspects of living half the year in Island Park is the time spent with special friends at TroutHunter. From May through October, few days pass without a stop at this prominent gathering place and a visit with who ever happens to be on duty at the time. Whether with the…

Words by Ren Harrop. Photos by Bonnie Harrop. In the rugged Northern Rockies, you learn that while change may be subtle, no two years are ever the same. In many respects, I am resistant to change but when a real winter gives possibility for an end to a three year drought pattern, that change…

Words by Ren Harrop. Photos by Bonnie Harrop. The abundance of conditions favorable to winter sports has a profound impact on the culture of the Henry’s Fork community. Deep snow, frigid temperatures, and ice bound waters are actually welcome features for many residents who look forward to…