Hello all. Happy August! You know what that means… it’s about time for me to head back to the classroom, so this will be my last report for the season. Captain Lanning will take over, I’m sure. It’s been a very bittersweet summer for me; fun as always, but I’m quite concerned about the quality of our water and insects particularly as this is really the third summer in a row (at least) on a downward trend. I’m not a scientist, don’t claim to be, nor am I a finger-pointer, but am an active observer of life here on the Henry’s Fork. We simply aren’t seeing the hatches like we used to and we are missing some classes of fish. I do believe there are many factors, and it’s evident that natural flows into the reservoir are lower and warmer, historical in fact, and it doesn’t look like we will see any improvement in winter flows this year. It’s impossible to deny climate change as we sit out back on the banks of our beloved river on a daily basis from mid-May to late October and the occasional winter foray swinging flies and looking for midges. Things just aint right, and one can only hope we’re simply in a poor cycle and we will see a rebound in hatch quality and quantity and that the fish will winter well.
After a little respite in the heat the next few days, we will jump back into the mid 80’s, and then there’s the possibility of another cool down. I expect continued hot, dry, and windy conditions across the area. I did hear some raindrops on the camper roof last night for about 15 seconds. Releases from IP dam have held steady in the mid-700s this week. Bad news, it’s not clear coming out of the tube right now, but we hope it will switch over to the turbine side soon which should greatly improve clarity. As we get farther into summer and later in the season, release from the dam should begin to taper off even more. Here’s a link for reservoir levels in the area Fishing remains fair depending on where you are with pockets of excellent days mixed in with days of general shit. So there’s that. 🙂
Box Canyon (750 cfs, about 950 below the Buffalo): The gauge is reading 850 cfs, but actual outflow is about 100 cfs less than what’s reported via USGS. The Box remains a good bet, however, there has been some inconsistent angling the last several days. I think it’s mostly due to clarity issues. There’s a lot of snot and salad tumbling through right now, so make sure to clean hooks often. There are still a few Golden Stones on some days and still a few Gray Drake Spinners on the lower end, but the best fishing will be subsurface. Have the usual selection of Rubberlegs and small beads like Perdigons, Daggers, Zebra Midges, PTs, Lightning Bugs, etc. We’ve had some pretty good streamer fishing this week in the turbid water, so I wouldn’t hesitate a streamer run as well.
Last Chance and The Ranch: Not much has changed out back and through the Ranch. The better chances at finding heads up remain on the lower end of Harriman — mornings and evenings and the occasional round of small Black Ants midday. We are seeing PMDs, Callibaetis, and Tricos on the mayfly front as well as some Caddis activity. Have a wide and varied selection of emergers, duns, and spinners and be prepared for 6x and even 6.5 for those finicky farts in Millionaires, Bonefish, and below Osborne. It’s Terrestrial time across the area moving forward, so make sure you’re stocked up on Hoppers, Beetles, and Ants wherever you go. We have heard some rumblings of Honey Ants out and about. If there’s one thing that will get some fish up, that’s it!
Warm River to Ashton: We are spending plenty of time on this stretch right now and for good reason. Angling continues to remain very consistent using Hopper-Droppers or running tandem nymphs under an indicator. We are seeing some nice fish landed down here right now as well as good numbers of 12-14″ fish. This is a great place for new anglers and those not concerned with catching several giants.WR to A is easy on the eyes as well.
Below Ashton: (NOTE — road construction into Chester is a touch behind schedule but should be completed in the coming days. Boy will that be sweet!) Below Ashton is still not the best bet for angling, but there are some fish being caught early and a few in the afternoons on Hoppers. It’s crucial to play fish quickly and spend time reviving if you’re playing on the lower river right now.
The Madison (890 cfs at Hebgen — 980 at Kirby): Fishing remains pretty solid from Hebgen down through the float stretch toward Ennis. Have Caddis and PMDs. It doesn’t get much better than running Hoppers through the Madison Valley. While it is “one big riffle” don’t be afraid to prospect through some of the swifter, shallower runs; lots of oxygen there…
Yellowstone NP: The Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon below Norris Campground, as well as all tributaries to the three, remain closed to fishing due to high water temperatures. Now the fun part: The Gallatin, Gardner, Yellowstone, and Northeast Corner are all in prime shape for sight fishing for rising trout. Have a good selection of Terrestrials, PMDs, Caddis, Drakes, Chubbies, etc. This is the time of year many of us head to the back country with the 3-weight, a fly box, some water (or beverages of choice), and a can of bear spray. Open the map and throw a dart. You won’t be disappointed.
Stillwaters: On Hebgen Lake, Gulpers are still doing their thing chasing Callibaetis and Damsels. Henry’s Lake is in full summer mode, so be out early early on the springs and creeks. Yellowstone Lake is another great option this time of year for some dry fly activity for cruising cutthroat. A good lake box around here should contain Callibaetis, Damsels, Scuds, Renegades, Leeches, Chironomids, Spruce Moths, and Terrestrials. And be ready to use a wide variety of techniques and lines.
Sayonara, friends. I hate leaving, but I’ll see you on the weekends around here until it’s time to start swinging for steelhead. Stop in the shop anytime. We’re here from 7am until 7pm (or so) depending on how busy we are. I’ll see you next summer. Cheers.
-JC
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