Sorry for this long overdue fishing report.
We hope that everyone enjoyed the fall weather we were able to experience over these past two months, because winter has finally seemed to arrive and is most likely here to stay.
With that being said, don't expect much to change over the next several months with regards to the fishing report. In fact, you really shouldn't call it a report at all due to the lack of anglers actually fishing...and reporting this time of the year.
And if you're from southern California or Arizona and saying to yourself, "You mean to tell me that you don't fish during the winter," then I encourage you to go dump as many buckets of ice cubes into your bathtub, and then get in as long as you can...and you'll find out really quick why we have other hobbies in the winter other than fishing.
Now if we find air temperatures reaching at least the upper 30's and low 40's then we'll have reason to go hit the river. But those days are going to be few are far between as winter get underway.
As always, feel free to call the shop (1-800-788-4479) for the latest report or just to talk fishing. We're open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Upper Henry’s Fork – Box Canyon
Flows are holding around 500 CFS and we've received news that this will remain the approximate flow over the duration of the entire winter! This is great news for the upper Henry's Fork and will produce outstanding fishing conditions next summer.
However, 500 CFS is an awkward flow in that it's a little too high for those really wanting to walk and wade, and it's a little too low for those wanting to float via a hard sided boat unless you like being bounced around like a pinball
Upper Henry’s Fork – Last Chance, Harriman Ranch to Riverside Campground
Midges given warm enough air temperatures. Harriman Park closes at the end of the month to fishing.
Middle Henry’s Fork – Riverside Campground to the Ashton Dam
No reports.
Lower Henry’s Fork – Ashton Dam to St. Anthony
Don't even ask...
Flows are still fluctuating greatly due to inspection work around the tunnel area and the coffer dam. To complete that work, they are needing to temporarily reduce the flows below the dam. Most of this work can be done with the flows reduced from 1300 CFS to about 800 CFS, however flows may even have to reach as low as 300 CFS.
Refilling the reservoir for the winter will begin on November 28th...we hope.
Lower Henry’s Fork – St. Anthony to Confluence
Streamer fishing has been okay but not reliable due to the Ashton Dam work.
Henry’s Fork Tributaries
No reports.
Madison River
Midges given warm enough air temperatures and streamers on overcast days.
Area Lakes
Henry's Lake has started to ice over in certain area.
No reports from Hebgen or Island Park Reservoir.
South Fork of the Snake
Flows are around 4,000 CFS which is more than triple the average flow this time of the year. Midges given warm enough air temperatures and streamers on overcast days.
Yellowstone National Park
Closed to fishing. Will open on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend 2012.