HENRY’S FORK REPORT – APRIL 3, 2014
It’s been typical springtime weather this past week. The final week of March brought with it highs temps in the 50’s, a nice thick snow storm and a windy rain/snow blend. This year, March came in like a lion and looks to be leaving in the same fashion. The snow is more than welcome though; it typically melts off with a quickness and any increase to our existing snow pack is gladly received. With forecasted high temps in the low 40’s and unsettled skies, this next week’s weather looks conducive for strong hatches of both Midge and Baetis. And, if the weather abides, we should begin to see some Skwalla activity, which will certainly work the trout in to a frenzy. Here’s a fishing forecast and update.
ATTENTION:The Rainbow Trout are currently spawning, so tread lightly and avoid stomping their redds. It’s un-ethical to fish over actively spawning fish. Let them do their deal to ensure a healthy future trout population.
BOX CANYON: The Box is still flowing around 200cfs. Access is still tough, but anglers can still get to prime fishing grounds with minimal effort. Warmer days will bring the opportunity to throw the dry fly, but a more productive approach will be sub-surface. The reliable rubber leg to a zebra midge dropper is tough to beat, but have a mix of attractor type nymphs, SJW’s and pheasant tails as well. Chucking streamers and leech patterns will always move a few nice trout and the dry fly fishing in the lower end of the canyon has been superb. We should see the Skwalla’s soon, so have a few of those stashed as well.
LAST CHANCE: Thick midge hatches are still the name of the game. When the midges begin to pair up and cluster, nothing beats the good ‘ol reliable Griffiths Gnat in sizes #16-20. If they’re keying in on singles, the Harrop transitional or hanging midge is a wise choice and a #18-22 Parachute Adams has really been preforming well. The mid-afternoon though dark hours have been best. On certain days, between noon and four o’clock, the baetis activity has been strong enough to bring some good fish to the surface. Baetis emerger, cripple and adult patterns in sizes #18 & 20 will get it done.
WARM RIVER TO ASHTON: This stretch is a good float option right now as both the access points are functional. Look for good midge and baetis dry fly fishing in slower tail outs, scum lines and eddys. Rubber-leg nymphs, zebra midges and pheasant tails should cover your bases in the nymph game and pulling a streamer around this time of year is sure to move a big brown or rainbow.
LOWER RIVER: Flows have increased over the past few days to around 1130cfs. The boat access points are open and the lower river is fishing well. Look for trout to be feeding on midge and baetis on the surface and the same mix of nymphs listed above in this report. This is also a fine time to chuck streamers on the lower river. Patterns dressed up as sculpin, rainbow and brown trout in sizes #2-8 are safe bets.
If you find yourself in our neck of the woods, stop by the shop for real time conditions, that special fly or to shop some killer sale deals on some of last years gear and outerwear. You might even consider booking a guide trip at discounted off season rates. The pressure is low, guides are well rested, and the trout are willing. See you soon!
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