Fishing Report

The box is a great option for this weekend. Keep in mind that access is foot traffic or personal pontoon boats that you can drag down to the river. Snow shoes are a good idea. I would have the usual patterns with me. Zebra midges in #16 and #18 brown, red and green. If you’re floating in a pontoon boat the take out is also a bit of a challenge you will have to walk out to the road. The midge fishing on the bottom end of the box canyon has been very good. I would also have streamers. I really like sculpin patterns fished slow or on the swing in the box. Brown, green and tan are my color choices.

The lower river is starting to get a little color. From the Chester back water on down the Henrys Fork is big and off color. Keep a close eye on the Warm River to Ashton stretch as well. As of today this section has some color to it but I think it’s fishable and with colder temps in the near future the water will clear up. Ora down to Chester also has a little color but is fishing. Access will not be an issue for you on the lower end. As flies go I don’t have much new info to report. Rubber Legs in black or brown will work well. Have the zebra midges I mentioned above and I would also have some #16 Sawyers. Don’t forget Griffith gnats. #16 and #18.

The Madison remains a great option for early spring fishing. The water has come up a bit but fishing remains excellent. Most folks are fishing between the lakes with good success. A #8 black and tan rubber legs will work very well. I would also have the usual zebra midges with you. Also the tungsten soft spot jig in #16 and tungsten brown stone nymph #8 are my top picks for the Madison.