“I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air.” ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne
The fishing here on the Henry’s Fork remains strong. Although it’s been an extremely hot & dry summer, the fishing day in & day out has held up quite well. Not quite as gluttonous as the 2011 season, but pretty damn close. The summer is winding down now and on certain morning’s there’s a crisp feel to the air, assuring us that fall is close at hand. But what a marvelous time of year to be on the Henry?s Fork. The crowds thin, hunting season begins and the cooler air kick starts some of that famous autumn fishing we all crave. The River is in great shape and the Fish are fat & sassy from a season of solid hatches followed up by a heavy crop of large terrestrial insects. September offers an angler the chance to really mix it up with pattern, as well as presentation. The Streamer fishing lights up and the dry fly fishing remains strong, affording anglers the exhilarating benefit of continued visual takes and hook ups. Nymphing in the canyon sections will continue to be a safe alternative as the local trout population packs on weight for the long winter ahead. The autumn outlook is promising, here’s a breakdown of current conditions.
BOX CANYON:
Current flow is 852cfs. This rugged section of the Henry?s continues to fish well and is chock full of thick strong Rainbows. Run double nymph rigs with a smaller Rubber-Leg trailed by a red Zebra Midge or Copper John for consistent action. Pitch streamers early, late & on cloudy days to entice the Alpha Trout of this sporty section of water. On the lower end, tie on a hopper & target the edges or any actively feeding fish. The Box historically fishes very well through autumn and Fall and is an absolutely beautiful float this time of year.
LAST CHANCE TO RIVERSIDE:
The fish in the Ranch are getting a little attitude after being fished over all season, but can still be fooled. The size & health of the fish this year is amazing and there’s been a plethora of Trout in the 22” – 25” range landed this season. Currently we are seeing Trico?s, Callibaetis and the beginning of the Mahagony Dun hatch. There are still some PMD?s around as well. Come equipped with life cycle patterns of the fore-mentioned and a good selection of terrestrial patterns including, Honey Ants, Black Ants, Beetles & Hoppers. Bring your A game and present a drag free drift on long leaders for best success. Although tough, a Ranch Rainbow is the most rewarding to catch here on the Fork.
RIVERSIDE TO ASHTON RES:
The deep canyon stretch below Lower Mesa is fishing well. Dry dropper rigs are the way to go, so mix up Hopper/Stone with Rubber-Leg/ Beadhead droppers and pound the shelves, edges & deeper slots. Throw Streamers early/late and on those cloudier days to entice the larger fish that call the canyon home. The warm River to Ashton section continues to hold up well. Double nymph rigs w/ Rubber-Legs & Beadheads are the go-to here.
LOWER RIVER:
Current flow is 2090cfs. The lower is starting to produce a little action on those morning & evening streamer runs. Daytime fishing here is still slow due to high temps & heavy weed growth. Best to wait a few more weeks before putting this one back on the hit list. It will improve greatly as we move toward the later part of September when those chunky Lower Browns start to get some pre-spawn attitude.
HENRY’S LAKE:
Henry’s is starting to really turn on. Concentrate your fishing around the Creek mouths & springs and target them hefty Henry’s lake Trout with Leeches, Buggers & Stillwater Patterns. Larger Streamers patterns have their moments & hanging a Chironomid pattern under an indicator will temp cruising fish. The lakes will only fish better as the temps cool and we move into fall.
HEBGEN LAKE:
The Gulper fishing isn’t what it was a month ago, but on certain days, with the right conditions, it can still be pretty damn good. Target tracking fish with Callibaetis Spinner patterns or a small terrestrial. Fishing a Hopper with a BH Pheasant Tail underneath is a good call as well. Off hours fish best if you prospect with Hopper-Dropper rigs or patrol the edges with Ant & Beetle patterns. Chironomid fishing is a safe bet & will play a larger roll as the Callibbaetis activity wains & we continue to see cooler night time temps.
When you do find yourself up here in our neck of the woods, stop by the shop for up-to date conditions, tackle & advice. See you soon friends.
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