First Rise
Spring Hatches on the Henry’s Fork
It’s never too early to start thinking about going fishing. Late March through mid-May is one of the best times to fish any western trout stream, especially the Henry’s Fork. Pre-runoff on the Henry’s Fork offers under-utilized, world-class dry fly fishing with abundant hatches of midges, caddis, and mayflies. These are some of the first hatches of the season, and after a long dormant winter, the fish are eager to feed. Between ice-out and run-off, before the summer crowds arrive, there is a six-week window when most of my memberal days of trout fishing have occurred. There are days you will find yourself alone, in the middle of a dry-fly flat, surrounded by the sound of rising fish. The spring hatches provide the moments that trout fisherman are anxiously waiting for. The fish are hungry, the opportunity for exceptional fishing is real, and this spring I will be guiding some of the best-kept secrets of the lower Henry’s Fork.
The spring brings unique angling situations made especially interesting by changing weather conditions on a tailwater river. One day you may find yourself fishing a prolific Baetis or March Brown hatch through a snow shower, only to find yourself sight-fishing to nice brown trout in the warm sunshine the following day. Cool, cloudy days produce abundant mayfly hatches and large pods of rising fish. On warmer days, Mother’s Day Caddis may appear in hordes. The Mothers Day caddis is thought of as the most explosive hatch to witness in any western trout stream. If you are lucky enough to be fishing during a Mothers Day Caddis hatch, you would be amazed by the sheer numbers of caddis swimming through the water column as they emerge vividly changing the water color to the dark shade of caddis. As for the fish, which have awaited this phenomenon, they begin to gorge in a crazed frenzy so they can fatten up before the high muddy water comes. Experiencing the spring caddis can surpass every remembered hatch encountered. During this time of the year, an early start is not necessary. The water temperature is cool enough that the insects begin to hatch late in the morning and carry on through the afternoon. However, one may use a nymph or streamer early in the day with the possibility of catching some exceptionally large trout.
The Henry’s Fork offers seven diverse sections of water, which are open to fishing and floating during the spring months. The option to fish different sections of water keeps our anglers intrigued and is really unique to most fishing trip opportunities. Features of these sections range from riffle water to slow, beautiful dry-fly flats, as well as spring creek-like channels packed with fish. In addition, the nearby South Fork of the Snake River offers over 60 miles of productive water. Here you can expect to fish to native cutthroats, browns, and rainbows using a drift boat to access various gravel bars and other choice wade-fishing spots. In addition to fishing the Henry’s Fork and the South Fork of the Snake, you also have the option to fish Montana’s legendary Madison River.
Henry’s Fork Anglers is the only outfitter in the area that provides spring fishing packages. We are offering you the opportunity to take advantage of exceptional fly fishing during a time of year that most visitors to the area do not see. We all appreciate casting to rising fish without dealing with crowds: this is the number one reason to experience the spring fishing here on the Henrys Fork. The Henry’s Fork Ranch Cabin, located on the bank of a very productive section of the Henry’s Fork, provides beautiful accommodations on the river, as well as access to world class dry fly water. The cabin is located on the lower river, where most all of the spring fishing takes place. Please contact us for availability, spring-trip packages, and questions.
Midges (Feb, March, April); Baetis (late March, April); March Browns (April); Mothers Day Caddis (late April)
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.