Fishing Report

Henry’s Fork Fishing Report, March 13, 2026

2026 is upon us, and it’s fishing season whether you like it or not! This winter was, for the most part, non-existent. I was born and raised in Idaho and have never seen a winter as mild as this. I am not saying it’s never happened, but not in my lifetime. Conditions on the Henry’s Fork are starting to shift as we move toward early spring. Water temperatures are still cold, but they’re beginning to creep up. Right  now, temps are hovering around 50°F, and I’ve started to see a few Blue-Winged Olives showing up.

Over the years, I have kept notes on water temps, bug activity, and general fishing conditions, looking back at my notes from last year, water temperatures were closer to 40–45°F at this time, and I didn’t see the first BWOs until March 21, 2025. We’re running roughly three weeks ahead of schedule based on my data.

IMAGE: Behind TroutHunter 3/13/2026

There are a few bright spots in our water situation, and if you are like me and your glass is half full. We are ahead of 2015. Snow water equivalent is at 78%, and the Island Park reservoir is 80% capacity. One percent higher than last year.

River Conditions

Upper River: 188 CFS – not great, but makes wade fishing in the Box comparatively easy

Lower River: 828 CFS – pretty skinny here too

All boat ramps are accessible right now except Box Canyon.

It’s that time of year when rainbow trout begin to spawn. If you’re not familiar with what a redd (spawning bed) looks like, take a moment to learn how to identify one. Notice the fresh clean gravel in the picture below? That would be a trout redd. Please use caution when wading and avoid fishing over redds. The rainbows already have enough working against them this time of year—low water and changing temperatures make it tough enough. Let them do their thing.

IMAGE: Trout Redd (Spawning Bed)

Flows are typical for late winter, and water clarity is good throughout most sections of the river.

Expect the best fishing from late morning through mid-afternoon, when water temperatures climb a few degrees and fish become more active.

Focus your attention on slower winter water—inside bends, tailouts, and deeper buckets where fish are holding and conserving energy. Getting your flies down in  the water column and drifting naturally is key right now.

Hatches

The main activity has been midges, with the occasional early Blue-Winged Olive hatch showing up on cloudy afternoons. Look for rising fish in slower water, tailouts, and foam lines. The coming week looks to be abnormally pleasant, so if you can get away on one of these warm overcast days, you may have a day to remember.

Primary Bugs

Midges (#20–24) 

Blue-Winged Olives (#16–18)

Productive Flies

Zebra Midge 

Griffith’s Gnat 

Small BWO Sparkle Dun

For nymphing, a two-fly rig with a small midge dropper has been the most consistent setup.

Best Sections Right Now

Box Canyon – Good nymphing and occasional streamer action along deeper structure.

Last Chance – Harriman State Park (Railroad Ranch) is closed to fishing until June 15, 2026. This includes the section below the Osborne Bridge down to Pinehaven. Just to be clear, it is illegal to fish in Harriman Ranch before June 15th.

Warm River to Ashton – Solid winter fishing with subsurface rigs. 

Ora to Chester – Fishing has been good in this stretch. Look for trout feeding on midges, especially during the warmer part of the day. I’ve also seen Blue-Winged Olives on the right afternoons. Don’t be afraid to fish a Skwala pattern tight to the bank—you might be surprised by an opportunistic eat.

The bears are officially out in Yellowstone, which means they are unofficially out in the Island Park area. Make sure to have plenty of bear spray, and avoid dead stuff to ensure you don’t become more dead stuff.

Tight lines,

Todd Lanning