Fishing Reports
Jackson Hole/Snake River | Yellowstone National Park | Green River

January 10, 2010

For the last couple of summers, fishing on the South Fork and Henry’s Fork has been very good, particularly on the South Fork. I’m fairly confident that one reason for the good fishing has been the excellent seasonal flows they have experienced the last two winters. The Yellowstone area brings severe winter conditions to local waters and it just makes sense with more water during these harsh times, there is less stress on the fish. It is also true that too much water during these times can be just as harmful as too little. But, for the last two winters, the Bureau of Reclamation had maintained almost ideal winter flows on both rivers. So far for the winter of 2009-2010, the South Fork and Henry’s Fork are again seeing very good water flows. As of today January 10^th, the South Fork is at 1850cfs and below Island Park Reservoir; the Henry’s Fork is flowing 364cfs.

Last week we the Yellowstone Area experienced sub-zero temperatures, with evenings dipping between 20 and 30 below zero. Even under these conditions there have been days that the South Fork has fished surprisingly well. There has even been some dry-fly fishing. Now it has only been for an hour or two a day but it’s just the first part of January. Pretty good stuff!! As we head towards the end of the month and move into February that time duration will increase and the day to day fishing consistency will also increase. This will be true for both rivers and here is a rundown on what to expect for the next month or two.

Fly patterns of concern will be mostly midge related. Be it wet or dry. Have them stocked in sizes 16 to 24's. For fishing under the surface, Dark (black and gray) Midge Pupa and Larva patterns normally work well. An exception is not to overlook red and blood midge patterns and the always reliable Brassie. Also small Mayfly Nymph imitations and Caddis Larva that cross over into the midge world can be good producing patterns. There can be spectacular dry-fly fishing on both of these waters but again you'll need the right weather. For dries, as already stated, by and large it will be Midge imitations. The day-in-and-day-out consistency of a Griffith's Gnat is hard to beat for winter dry fly Midge fishing. For other dry midge patterns, as with your wets, black and gray will be your color of choice. Both rivers also have a little black Stonefly (Capnia) that hatches in these colder months and at times can be extremely important. You will sometimes hear them referred to as Snowflies and many anglers mistake them for midges. They are quite small for a Stonefly, a size 18, black body with very light, opaque colored wings, and when the fish key in on these tiny Plecoptera, they can be very selective. Some winter days can find Streamers and larger Stonefly nymph patterns to be effective but expect most of your action with the midges.

There is good access to both rivers, but be aware that snow levels along the banks can make travel difficult. It's not a bad idea to include snowshoes or cross country skis in your winter fishing strategy. Post-holing through three feet of snow, even a short distance, is to say the least exhausting.

We will keep you updated as conditions improve and as the winter/spring fishing becomes more favorable throughout the Yellowstone Area. And, as always if you require up to the minute info, don’t hesitate to contact us here at the shop.

Until next time, good fishing,
Howard Cole
High Country Flies