Henry's Fork Area Fishing Report
Last updated: January 24, 2009
By Chris Lawson
The weather has been interesting lately. Occasional light snowfall, mostly higher-than-average temperatures, but now a general trend toward cold, wintry conditions. Fishing pressure, is, in general, very light in the Island Park region. As a whole, reservoir levels and trends are boding very well for the 2009 season. Stay tuned for updates. Remember, the general fishing season closes after November 30th. Certain areas stay open for varying durations...and some of those are outlined below. Don't neglect to check the official Idaho Fish & Game regulations to make sure you are recreating legally.
Upper Henry’s Fork - Box Canyon:
The Upper Henry's Fork is closed from Big Springs downstream until Riverside Campground
Upper Henry’s Fork - Harriman State Park and Last Chance:
Closed
Middle Henry’s Fork - Riverside Campground to Warm River:
The fishing here is decent on the warmer winter days; however, the access to the river is very difficult due to snow. If you are the adventurous, and like to snowshoe, you could find some good fishing. Use small zebra midges, eggs, and leeches. You may find some dry fly fishing on midges on warmer cloudy days.
Middle Henry’s Fork - Warm River to Ashton:
This section fishes well throughout the winter months. This is due to the consistant water temperature that comes from Warm River. Fish the upper stretch near the confluence of Warm River on the east side of the river. The fish generally hold in slow deep pools in the winter. Use midges, eggs, and leeches.
Lower Henry’s Fork - Ashton Dam to Saint Anthony:
Remember, Ashton to Vernon closes is currently closed to fishing. From Vernon down to St. Anthoney the fishing is good on warmer days. Use midges, leeches, and eggs. Best action has been around Vernon Bridge and the Fun Farm Bridge.
Lower Henry’s Fork - St. Anthony to the Confluence:
Year-round fishing. The fishing has been good mid day. Very good streamer fishing on the cloudy overcast days.
Henry's Fork Tributaries:
Most tributaries close at the end of November. However, Fall River & upper Warm River feature a winter stream season through the end of March. The fishing should be very rewarding for your efforts. Also note that lower Warm River (below the railroad tunnel) closed at the end of September.
The Madison River:
Good fishing between the lakes, and relatively light pressure. Fish are being taken on baetis nymphs, little serendipitys, egg patterns, and streamers.
Area Lakes:
Henry's Lake is Closed. Fair ice fishing has been reported on Island Park Reservoir (West End), also good ice fishing on Hebgen Lake.
South Fork of the Snake
Primarily nymphs & streamers, but also a few Baetis & midges. Throughout the rest of the day, nymph with rubber legs (size 6-8), pheasant tails, and zebra midges. We've noticed that those cutties are slow to rise, so be patient when setting the hook. Flows have being dropped, so be aware of changing channels and access restrictions at put-ins and take-outs.
For more detailed information, please refer to our Hatch Chart. This is by far the most comprehensive hatch chart in the entire Yellowstone Region. Make sure to check out the hatch chart behind the aquarium in our shop.
