Henry’s Fork Fishing Report
Island Park and the surrounding areas are well known for throwing Spring surprises at us, getting us excited for warmer temps and the activities that follow them, only to be followed within a day or two of a return to winter. As we mentioned last week, this winter was more mild than many of us had ever born witness to and now it seems like Spring has truly sprung. As I was driving back down the caldera from the shop today it was a sweltering 65 degrees. With no harsh weather in the forecasts, I’d say it’s time to fish.
The fish and the bugs have been agreeable to early Spring activity, particularly on the lower river. There were clouds of midges going off the past few days on the lower stretches, particularly around Chester and Ora. The Blue Wing’s have also made their presence known but the afternoon winds have kept them from being truly spectacular thus far. As Todd mentioned in last week’s fishing report, we are about three weeks ahead of schedule on both temps and hatches. If that holds true, we should be looking at additional bug activity in the near future. Mother’s Day Caddis surprise on April Fool’s Day? It’s not out of the question!
If you missed last week’s report, there were two critical bits of information in there that still hold true this week: The bears are out and have been for a bit. Do not go out unprepared for them, and the rainbows are spawning. Please look out for redds and avoid fishing over them, wading through them, or otherwise disrupting them.
River Conditions
Upper River: 192 CFS (Box)
Lower River: 1070 CFS (Ora)
The waters are clear with very little turbidity and temps are within a few degrees of normal for this time of year.
Current Fishing Outlook
Like last week, the bite has been best later morning through mid-afternoon. We’ve been seeing more late afternoon to sunset activity this week but the winds have been keeping the bugs blown around and the fish down that time of day. The tailouts, foam lines and slower moving waters are still your target zones.
Primary Bugs
Midges
Blue Winged Olives
Productive Flies
We’ve been seeing some activity with the following:
Zebra Midges (black, olive and red)
Griffith’s Gnat
BWO Sparkle Duns
Hanging Midge (black)
Soft Hackles
CDC Midge Cluster
CDC Case Emerge BWO
It is not too early to try a Last Chance Cripple BWO either
Keep your flies around the #18-#22 range for now.
We’ve got all of the aforementioned patterns in stock at the shop. Todd and Josh can hook you up with the latest and greatest. New inventory of all sorts is arriving daily so come check it out, say “Hi,” and let us know how your fishing has been.
Shop / Restaurant / Lodging / Guide Schedules
The shop is currently open from 9-4 7 days per week.
The restaurant and lodge are currently closed for our shoulder season and will open again on May 1st.
Our guided anglers have already had success in 2026, and we are taking bookings for the rest of March and April.
East Idaho Fly Tying & Fly Fishing Expo
The 30th annual East Idaho Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo is currently underway at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls. Our Shop Manager, Todd Lanning will be showing off some of his tying skills as well as working with the good folks at the Hardy booth. If you have time, stop in and see what’s new in the industry.
Until next week, happy fishing! We are all looking forward to seeing you at TroutHunter and on the water!
Chadd Harbaugh
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