The fishing throughout the area continues to generate plenty of smiles. From honey ants on the ranch to spruce moths on the lakes, venue options are many. August is certainly terrestrial season meaning a dedicated dry fly junkie needs nothing more than a well stocked box of hoppers, beetles and ants. Dry lightning sparked fires around the region have put a haze in the air and created some truly mind blowing sunsets. If you fish deep into the evening hours, stick around a while longer and catch the Perseid meteor shower, which is in full effect, and stellar!. The options are many right now, so whip out the map and go explore some of the lesser known gems the area has to offer. Here’s a little something about what’s happening in and around Henry’s Fork country.
BOX CANYON: The flows have dropped a tad to around 1,180 cfs. This is a great float level, but can push you though the canyon in a hurry. Nymphing will put numbers in the net, but a hopper dropper rig will offer the opportunity of explosive visual surface eats. Go deep with those nymphs and change it up till you find a winner. Fish flies with a little color and bling. Low light hours call for the streamer approach and twitching a leech pattern can prove deadly at times.
THE RANCH: Honey ants are providing anglers with windows of absolute magic. There have also been some pretty prolific spinner falls. Have pmd, trico, callibaetis, flav, grey drake and caddis lifecycle patterns. The hoppers are out in force and a smallish black beetle is the ace in the hole. If you’re not seeing trout feeding, move around a bit, you’ll likely run into just what you’re looking for. A stealthy approach, drag free drift, and persistence are key here.
WARM RIVER TO ASHTON: The nymph fishing down here has been nothing short of reliable. A black rubber leg followed up with a small bead head will typically get it done, but giving them an odd ball larger nymph might just turn a big boy. Throw hopper dropper rigs to the bank to spice things up, or go single dry and hit all that tasty bank structure this stretch has to offer. Streamers and leeches are getting plenty of attention as well.
LOWER RIVER: Early or later in the day is best. The trout are responding well to hoppers and other terrestrials fished tight to the edge. A streamer will always move those big cantankerous fish that reside here. Play your catch fast, keep ’em wet and release with care. This stretch will become a more viable option as we begin to experience cooler day and night-time temps.
LAKES: Henry’s is kicking out a few fish, but Hebgen and Quake continue to offer anglers great fishing. The spruce moths are bringing some big fish up and the callibaetis emergences and spinner falls have been epical. Other than that, have a solid selection of terrestrials and don’t be scared to drop a bead when things get tricky. Strip a leech or bugger. Damsel flies.
THE MADISON: Small bead heads. Caddis in the evenings. Eepourus spinners in the mornings. Hoppers, ants and beetles all day long. Hopper dropper for double the pleasure. Streamers early and late, and on those rare cloudier days. She’s still kicking out some great fishing, good to see ‘er back.
YNP: The NE corner is really lighting up. Grey drakes, green drakes, pmd’s, caddis and a plethora of terrestrial offerings will get it done. The Yellowstone continues to fish well and the lake is a great option on not-so-windy days. The Gibbon, Firehole and Madison are too warm for fishing, best to wait until fall to explore these fine waters again.
Stop by the TroutHunter and let us point you in the right direction and set you up with the best flies, finest tackle and strongest gear available. A new menu is creating some outstanding eating opportunities particularly in the evenings as the sun goes down. See ya soon!
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