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

June 24, 2009

South Fork

After a very positive start early this June, water flows have taken a turn for the worse in the last week or so, on the South Fork.  With Palisades Reservoir at one-hundred percent of capacity, and inflow still ripping in at 22,500 cf/s the Bureau of Reclamation has little choice but to match inflow with outflow. Unfortunately for fishermen, this flow is more than a little heavy for fishing in, or even floating on. According to the Bureau of Reclamation, they plan to match Palisades outflow with inflow until they hit 15,000 cf/s. After that, flows should be need driven somewhere between 12,000 and 13,000 cf/s.

When we manage to get back on the South Fork, it should be just about in time for the Salmon Fly hatch. Typically this hatch begins sometime in early to mid-July, and continues for a couple of weeks, weather dependent. With all the rain we’ve had this June, I would guess that we might not start seeing bugs until a little later than normal.

Henry’s Fork

Unlike the South Fork, dam releases below Island Park Reservoir and the Ashton Dam have dropped significantly in the last week. Flows in both portions of the river are considerably lower than average, with the Railroad Ranch flows hovering around 550 cf/s, and the lower river at 1,520. Despite these flows however, fishing has been productive, both on the Ranch and the lower river.

Since the June 15^th opening, the Railroad Ranch has fished well, with plenty of fish, and lots of bugs to boot. We are about at the end of the March Brown hatch, but right at the beginning of the Caddis, PMD, and Green Drake hatches. Over the next several weeks we should start seeing Brown Drakes, Flavs, Yellow Sallies, and Callibaetis with some regularity. As the weather continues to brighten and water and air temperatures begin to rise, the hatches on the Railroad Ranch are only going to improve. If you’re unsure what flies to bring, make sure you stock your boxes with technical spring creek patterns covering the all the different types of insects mentioned previously. Make sure you have good numbers of emergers, cripples, spinners and adults too, for individual patterns, come into the shop and we will set you up. While to some, a first visit to the Ranch may seem crowded, keep in mind that Harriman State Park has plenty of fish to try for. Be sure to give other anglers the space and consideration they deserve. But enough preaching…

The Lower Henry’s Fork has fished fairly consistently, again with good showing of Pale Morning Duns, Caddis, Yellow Sallies, and a few Green Drakes and Flavs as well. The Gray Drakes should start to appear soon, and I am sure there are still a few Golden Stoneflies fluttering around too. As we continue to see this warm weather, it should start to accelerate the clearing process on the Henry’s Fork as well. As things clear up, the dry-fly fishing should begin to pick up even more. Before heading out, double check that you’re fully stocked with enough dry-flies and nymphs to cover the full spectrum. I would even recommend that you bring a good collection of streamers to boot.

Things are starting to look up here in the valley. Now that the rain has finally broken, I think we are well on our way to having a memorable summer of terrific fishing. As always, if we can help you gear up, answer questions, or give you a report on up to the minute conditions, feel free to call the shop, (307)-733-7210, or just stop by.

Happy Hunting,
Pat Brennan
High Country Flies