Idaho Fly Fishing Outlook - February 3, 2010

Even after all of the snow received in the mountains over the last two weeks, Eastern Idaho and Southeast Idaho snowpack levels remain very low for this time of year. Hopefully the groundhog was right and there is still six more weeks of winter (if you are into that sort of thing of course!). 

The Blackfoot River is very dependent on the snow water equivalent to maintain optimal flows in the summer. Without a significant increase in snow pack (or a very wet, rainy spring) the upper Blackfoot River may not be in poor shape for this summer's fishing season. The Henry's Fork, with excellent spring flows, may have lower water, but will probably still be great fishing as the lower flows make it more accessible by foot.

IDAHO SNOTEL Snow Water Equivalent Update Graph

As of WEDNESDAY: FEBRUARY 3 , 2010

Basin	Snow Water Equivalent Percent of Average
LITTLE LOST, BIRCH BASINS	75%
MEDICINE LODGE, BEAVER, CAMAS BASINS	67%
HENRYS FORK, TETON BASINS	63%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE PALISADES	59%
WILLOW, BLACKFOOT, PORTNEUF BASINS	60%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE AMERICAN FALLS	61%
BEAR RIVER BASIN	60%

Legend:

<70%

70-90%

91-110%

111-130%

>130%

Idaho Fishing Regulations will stay the same in 2010

The Idaho Fish and Game will use the same regulations in 2010 that were used in 2009. You can download the regulations here. This means that for most Idaho streams and rivers, fishing will open on May 29, 2010 (Memorial Day weekend). The Blackfoot River in Idaho will open July 1, 2010 to protect the spawning cutthroats.

Upper Snake River Reservoir Status

Currently reservoirs on the Upper Snake River are holding 76% of their capacity. So far this is the best news for water this coming year, but only for tailwater fishing. The storms over the last week have increased snow pack in Southeastern Idaho but we are still in need of significant snow over the next two months for normal water flow in rivers and streams.

Here's the graph, which does not include any information on the Blackfoot Reservoir on the Blackfoot River:

Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Fishery Plan

Back in 2007 the Idaho Fish and Game developed a plan for the management and conservation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Of specific note,the Blackfoot River had 4,747 fish run upriver to spawn in 2001. In 2005 and 2006 there were 20 spawners each year. The pelican situation definitely does not help - their population has doubled since 2001. 2009 seemed a better year as the fish size and quantity of larger fish was higher in the upper Blackfoot River, but the river has a long way to go to get back to the peak runs in the 50's (10-15,000). Cutthroat trout populations have been impacted in many other streams and rivers in Eastern Idaho.

Make sure to carry a net with you to land and release larger cutthroat trout as soon as possible to help prevent mortality rates!

The entire management plan can be found at the Idaho Fish and Game site here: Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.

Blackfoot River Water Outlook

Here is the current precipitation information for Somsen Ranch measuring station which is fairly representative of the Blackfoot River drainage:

SOMSEN RANCH SNOTEL Data Report - Daily Readings

Basin: Blackfoot (HUC 17040207)    Elevation: 6800.00

(As of: Thu Jan 21 12:58:54 PST 2010)

Date	Time (PST)	Snow Water Equivalent (inches)	Snow Depth (inches)	Year-to-Date Precipitation (inches)	Current Temp (degrees F)	Previous Day's Temp (degrees F)
						Max	Min	Avg
01/15/2010	0000	3.8	19.0	6.7	18.7	32.4	17.6	27.3
01/16/2010	0000	3.8	19.0	6.7	23.9	38.1	8.8	22.8
01/17/2010	0000	3.8	19.0	6.7	30.9	42.4	18.1	29.8
01/18/2010	0000	3.8	19.0	6.7	29.1	43.9	18.7	29.1
01/19/2010	0000	4.0	20.0	6.9	32.5	35.2	25.7	30.2
01/20/2010	0000	4.3	23.0	7.1	19.9	35.8	18.5	28.8
01/21/2010	0000	4.3	23.0	7.1	21.7	33.3	17.2	24.3
Date	Time (PST)	Snow Water Equivalent (inches)	Snow Depth (inches)	Year-to-Date Precipitation (inches)	Current Temp (degrees F)	Max	Min	Avg
						Previous Day's Temp (degrees F)

Current Snow Water Equivalent for Southeast Idaho

More bad news for Southeast Idaho Fishing this coming year: snow water equivalent is extremely low. Snow water equivalent is essential for good spring runoff and long term water conditions. Without a much higher snow water equivalent, Southeastern Idaho streams and rivers are going to suffer this summer as will the fly fishing. The Blackfoot River drainage is only at 45% which is not a good sign for summer fishing. Hopefully the next three months can bring a significant increase in snow pack.

Here is the current snow water equivalent information (courtesy of Idaho Snow Survey):

Basin	Snow Water Equivalent Percent of Average
LITTLE LOST, BIRCH BASINS	71%
MEDICINE LODGE, BEAVER, CAMAS BASINS	56%
HENRYS FORK, TETON BASINS	57%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE PALISADES	54%
WILLOW, BLACKFOOT, PORTNEUF BASINS	45%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE AMERICAN FALLS	54%
BEAR RIVER BASIN	48%

Legend:

<70%

70-90%

91-110%

111-130%

>130%

More Bull Trout protections coming for Idaho streams and rivers

It looks like that Bull Trout in Idaho may get some additional protection which will be a huge step in protecting Idaho's trout species. Bull trout habitat preservation will benefit other native fish: steelhead, salmon, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout. Any habitat protection is great for Idaho Fly Fishing.

"In another reversal of Bush administration Endangered Species Act policy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to expand habitat protections for the bull trout, a fish that stands in the way of logging, mining and grazing on federal lands.The agency Wednesday formally proposed designating 23,000 miles of streams and 533,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Nevada as critical habitat."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010781395_aporbulltrouthabitat.html?syndication=rss

Stump Creek Idaho - Sunset

Here's a picture of the sun setting on Stump Creek in Eastern Idaho. Stump peak is in the distant background.

Idaho Water Conditions for Spring

So far this winter has been a major disappointment in regards to precipitation and snow pack. If something doesn't turn around soon, there will be little runoff and water flow will be really low. This is especially bad news for the Blackfoot River which needs significant snow pack and runoff to help the spawning cutthroat. Without a strong water flow the larger trout won't hold in the river making fishing on the upper Blackfoot questionable at best.

Here are the current precipitation totals for Eastern and Southeastern Idaho (credit to the Idaho Snow Survey):

As of THURSDAY: JANUARY 14 , 2010

Basin	Year-to-Date Precipitation Percent of Average
HENRYS FORK, TETON BASINS	66%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE PALISADES	63%
WILLOW, BLACKFOOT, PORTNEUF BASINS	61%
SNAKE BASIN ABOVE AMERICAN FALLS	64%
BEAR RIVER BASIN	62%

Legend:

<70%

70-90%

91-110%

111-130%

>130%

Best Flies for Idaho 4 - Parahopper - a Blackfoot River Must Have for July-September

Materials:

• Hook: 2x long dry fly hook like Tiemco 2312, size 6-14
• Body & Thorax: Tan Superfine or other dry fly dubbing
  
• Wing: Turkey Tail treated with flexible cement
• Legs: Pheasant Tail fibers, knotted. (1 on each side)
• Parachute Post: White Poly Yarn
• Hackle: Grizzly Saddle Hackle

For the Blackfoot River, a gray body and thorax is the best - sizes 6 & 8. For smaller Idaho streams (Tincup, Stump Creek, Upper Warm River, Moose Creek, etc.) carry some size 14 hoppers during the summer months and you'll likley catch 40-50 fish (6-12") in a few hours. The larger hoppers rarely hook any of these smaller fish even though they will try like crazy to take the fly.

I am still working on a better thorax/body that will allow the fly to remain on the surface when fished with a dropper. This pattern after a few casts tends to sink when fished with a dropper even when floatant is used. Anybody have any ideas or success stories on keeping the hopper on the surface? Let me know if you do.

Enjoy the last few weeks of fishing - if you enjoy wading through 6 inches of snow and battling sub-freezing conditions!

Best Flies for Idaho 3 - Bead Head Hares Ear

Materials:

Hook:# 8-18 heavy nymph
Bead: 1/8-5/64th gold bead depending on hook size
Thread: Red 6/0 uni thread
Tail: Guard hairs from Hares mask or ear
Rib: Small gold Ultra wire
Abdomen: Hares ear plus dubbing (natural Hares –ear)
Wing case: Turkey tail feather
Thorax: Hares ear plus dubbing (natural Hares-ear)

A bead head hare's ear is a must have for any Idaho fly box. It imitates most nymph patterns and works as a prime dropper pattern off a hopper, terrestrials, wooly worms, etc. Fish will often pass the top fly only to hit the dropper hare's ear as it passes. I recommend keeping at least 8 of these in your box with sizes between 12-18 (mostly in the 14-16 range).

Good luck with your fishing!

Best flies for Idaho 2 - Adams

Hook: Size #10-#20 (or any standard dry fly hook)
Thread: Grey or black 8/0
Wing: Grizzly hackle tips (hen)
Tail: Hackle fibers~grizzly/brown/grizzly
Abdomen: Muskrat underfur
Hackle: Grizzly and Brown (rooster/neck)

The Adams is great overall mayfly imitation that works just about any time of the year when there is a mayfly hatch. All trout varieties in Idaho will take the Adams. Sizes 16 and 18 seem to the most common sizes for most Idaho streams.

Best Flies for Idaho - Muddler Minnow

Hook: Size 2-10
Bead: Brass bead head sized to fit (can be tied without a bead but the weight is nice)
Weight: 6-10 wraps of lead wire
Thread: Tan 8/0
Tail: Mottled turkey wing
Body: Flat silver tinsel
Under wing: Grey squirrel tail hair, orange Marabou, pearl Krystal Flash (in order)
Wing: Mottled turkey wing, paired
Head/Collar: Spun deer hair (natural color), trimmed cone head style)

The Muddler Minnow is a great all around streamer for most Idaho streams and rivers. The Muddler is especially effective in the Salmon River Drainage when fishing for trout (i.e. 24+ inch Bull Trout). I have also caught fish in the Snake River Drainage on Muddler Minnows.

September Diversions

Like just about every September, I have been diverted from fly fishing during a great fly fishing month to pursue the rocky mountain elk across the headwaters of the Blackfoot River. Since the rut had not started, the hunting was subpar, although I did see 10 cows/calves the two days I spent hunting. I did take a little diversion to test one of the small streams for fish - I snagged a hopper and threw it into a fish worthy hole - alas I did not see any activity and lost sight of the hopper quicker than I hoped. It was a beautiful weekend and I look forward to more September days in the woods and streams. Good luck with the fishing.

McTucker Ponds Pictures

Here are some pictures from our day fishing at McTucker Ponds:

Thomas and a monster bluegill

Thomas' First Cast

Sara and smallmouth bass

Maren proudly displaying yet another bluegill

Maren and another monster bluegill

McTucker Ponds

On Saturday I took my two children (5 and 2) to McTucker Ponds out by Springfield Idaho. At the first pond I caught a couple of fish - two bluegill - one was a whopping 4" and the other 6" inches. We then switched ponds and my 5 year old daughter was the star of the day. With her barbie fishing pole, a clear bubble, and a bead head prince nymph she started catching fish like crazy. She caught 20+ fish which was fun to see. They were all small bluegill (4-6") but it was a great time. Pretty much every cast she was reeling in another fish.

The hot flies for these "monster" gills were black bead head woolly worms and bead head prince nymphs.

McTucker Ponds is a great place for little children to fish especially if you actually want to catch fish. They may not be huge but it will be fun.

Blackfoot River - August 6, 2009

The fishing was a little slow on the Blackfoot mostly because the wind was ripping and it was difficult to set the hook when the wind was dragging your fly line across the water. We still caught caught a few fish but only netted one 19" cutthroat. I had about 10 18+ inch trout on momentarily but ended up losing most of them. Keeping my fly line with enough tension to set the hook properly was difficult with the wind. Still a great day of fishing!

Blackfoot River - Fox Hills Ranch

Here are two maps for the Fox Hills Ranch, opened for fishing access by Monsanto. For more info visit the Idaho Fish and Game website, Access Yes program at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/accessyes.aspx?id=837

Blackfoot River access - Monsanto Opens Fox Hills Ranch to Public Fishing

I emailed Monsanto regarding the Blackfoot River access at what is called the Fox Hills Ranch. Here is the information that I was provided by Bob Pierce:

Monsanto Opens Fox Hills Ranch to Public Fishing
Once Closed Eight Mile Section of Upper Blackfoot Now Open to Anglers

Soda Springs, ID (August 5, 2009) - The public may now fish over eight
miles of the upper Blackfoot River that has been closed for nearly a
decade. The opening was announced by Monsanto Company in Soda Springs.
The company recently purchased the Fox Hills Ranch, a 2200-acre property
bounding the Blackfoot River both to the north and south as it leaves
the highlands and empties toward the Blackfoot Reservoir.

"Keeping this property from subdivision and high-end real estate
development was our primary reason in purchasing it," noted Dave
Farnsworth, Minerals Lead for Monsanto. "But we're pleased to be able
to increase the public's access for recreational fishing opportunities."
Access to the Blackfoot River through Monsanto's Fox Hills Ranch is
limited to foot traffic and drift boats, but those boating or floating
should be cautious about cross-stream fences.

Farnsworth credited the Idaho Fish and Game Department for a
program that makes this opening possible. "Fish and Game's 'Access
Yes!' program provides a much needed framework for granting the public
access to private property. We are very grateful to them for approving
our application so as to make fishing opportunities available this
season."

Access Yes! is an Idaho Fish and Game program designed to
improve sportsmen's access to private land. Cooperating land owners can
be compensated under the program, although Monsanto has declined to
receive any money. "The fact that Fish and Game will provide oversight
and enforcement of their own rules through this stretch of the river is
payment enough," said Farnsworth.

He concluded, "We merely ask the public to respect the
property so that other anglers can enjoy it as well."


Road directions from Soda Springs:

Travel north out of the City of Soda Springs, Idaho, on US Highway 34
going toward Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for 7.8 miles to the intersection
with the "Blackfoot River Road." Turn right onto the Blackfoot River
Road. The first bridge will cross the Blackfoot River. Continue
traveling 2 miles. The ranch property on the right will be the Fox
Hills Ranch, with the Blackfoot River running through it and clearly
visible from the road.

Thank you to Bob Peirce (bob.peirce@monsanto.com) for this information and to Monsanto to allowing access to this property. Remember to respect the property, don't leave trash, and enjoy the fishing.

Beadhead Hare's Ear

This is the pattern that was killer on the Blackfoot River earlier this year. All the 14"+ fish were taking this fly like crazy. They were hitting the fly at the end of the run when the fly hit the end of the fly line and there was tension on the line - essentially when the fly was floating in the whole for a few seconds. Here's the detailed info:

HOOK: 5262 or 3761, sizes 8-18 (Size 14-16 was tops on the Blackfoot)
THREAD: Brown or black
TAIL: Hares mask guard hairs or fibers clipped from a squirrel or rabbit Zonker Strip
RIB: Gold mylar tinsel or copper wire
ABDOMEN: Blended hares ear; keep it thin
WINGCASE: Turkey tail coated with Flexament
THORAX: Same as abdomen. After tying, pick out a few hairs so they look like legs

Variations:

The Hares Ear can be tied weighted or unweighted. Dark brown is the most productive body color; dark olive and tan can also work well, but be sure to compare the color of wet dubbing to the natural (and wet) insect.

Monsanto Opens Section of Blackfoot River

Here is a little news tidbit for the Blackfoot River:

Monsanto opens Blackfoot River in Idaho to anglers

by The Associated Press

Tuesday July 21, 2009, 7:30 AM

SODA SPRINGS, Idaho -- Eight miles of the upper Blackfoot River will be opened to anglers after nearly a decade.

The Monsanto Co. in Soda Springs recently purchased the Fox Hills Ranch, a 2,200-acre property bounding the river, and announced it would increase public access for fishing. Dave Farnsworth with Monsanto said the company primarily wanted to keep the land from being subdivided. Access will be limited to foot traffic and drift boats.

-- The Associated Press

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/07/monsanto_opens_blackfoot_river.html

Blackfoot River, July 23, 2009

Fishing on the upper Blackfoot River was amazing this last week! We had four fisherman in our party and netted 50+ fish, with the majority being in the 12-18" range. I lost a couple 20+ inchers and my brother landed a beautiful 24" cutthroat. My dad also caught a couple 20+ inchers. Overall, it was an amazing day. One for the memories!

Flies of the Day: Bead Headed Hares Ear (Sizes 14-18); Parahopper - cream colored hopper (Sizes 10-14).

Bead Head Prince Nymph

BEAD HEAD PRINCE NYMPH

The bead head Prince nymph is an effective attractor or searching nymph. Especially effective as a dropper off a terrestrial fly. The para hopper/bead head Prince nymph is an especially effective combo in Southeast Idaho streams and rivers. The hopper dropper combo listed above is especially effective on the Blackfoot River.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Hook: Nymph Hook (Sizes 10-18) - any brand

Weight: Tungsten bead and lead wire

Thread: Brown

Tail: Tan goose biots (rubber hackle is a neat alternative)

Ribbing: fine gold oval tinsel and fine monofilament

Body: Peacock

Wing: White goose biots

Throat: Brown Pullet (optional)

Collar: Fox Squirrel Dubbing (Optional)

Parahopper - Fly pattern for the summer months

Para Hopper

Hook: 3x long, sizes 10, 12, 14, 16
Parachute post: white poly yarn (alternate = white calf tail)
Body: Tan antron/hare’s ear blend (grey also works well)
Wing: Turkey Tail fibers
Legs: Pheasant Tail fibers, knotted
Parachute Hackle: Grizzly



This pattern is a cutthroat magnet in the summer months. Body color variations include tan, brown, gray (my favorite), and yellow. Afternoon fishing is outstanding with this pattern. Use a bead headed prince nymph/hares ear for extra action. You may even hook two at a time!

Upper Blackfoot River - July 2, 2009

The upper Blackfoot is still high and off color. With the recent thunderstorms, expect the river to start clearing this week and into next week. There were no fly hatches of note, except a few dragon flies were beginning to hatch. There were a few caddis flies but with the water off color and unusually high there was no dry fly activity. We caught 12-15 fish. All the fish we caught were cutthroats, and mine were all > 12", with one 16" and one 20". My father landed a 20". All the bigger fish were caught on bead headed brown woolly worms; Size 4-6.

In a few weeks the hoppers will be hot and with a lot of water in the Upper Blackfoot, the big fish may hold in the river. Good luck.

Stump Creek - June 26-27, 2009

Stump Creek was high and off color still. The fishing was very slow. I caught three cutthroats on a bead headed woolly worm (black and red) but other than that it was slow. The water started to clear on Saturday. If the weather clears, Stump Creek will be fishable in a week. Good Luck

July 4 BLACKFOOT RIVER

IDAHO FISHING REPORT: Upper Blackfoot River. I spent the 4th fishing the lower narrows of the upper Blackfoot River. Although a little slow it was still a fun day. I did catch one 17" cutthroat but the rest were in the 8-12" range. No rainbows. The fishing conditions weren't the best as the water was a little murky from some apparent thunderstorms earlier in the week. In about two weeks the hoppers should be out in full force. IDAHO FLY PATTERNS of the week:
Parahopper, Size 10; and Bead Headed Prince Nymph, size 14-16.

Good luck on your Idaho fishing expeditions!

JULY 4 Expectations

It looks like the July 4 weekend will be a great week for fishing Idaho's streams and rivers. Runoff should be gone and the hoppers will be out. Good luck!! Technorati Profile

IDAHO FISHING REPORT - WARM RIVER

IDAHO FISHING REPORT...UPDATE: This last Friday (June 20) I went fishing on the WARM RIVER near ASHTON, IDAHO. The water was a little high and slightly off color and the fishing were holding right next to the banks. I caught 30+ rainbows and browns and one whitefish, however, the majority were in the 4-8" range, with only a handful of 12"ers. This biggest fish I caught was a 12" plump brown. The section I fished was the from the old ski hill parking light downstream. A beautiful section of the river that we had all to ourselves. IDAHO FLY PATTERNS of the day: Stimulator (size 10-12) and Beadhead Prince Nymph (size 14-16).

IDAHO FISHING REPORT

UPDATE: IDAHO FISHING REPORT. This last weekend, I went over to STUMP CREEK to go fishing. Water was everywhere and muddy. STUMP CREEK, TINCUP, SALT RIVER, and likely BEAR CREEK, BIG ELK, and PALISADES CREEK will all be running very high and muddy. CARIBOU MOUNTAIN still had a significant snowpack, as did the PALISADES mountains. It probably snowed an additional 1-5" in the higher country on Friday and Saturday. Wait until about June 20 to hit these eastern Idaho streams (maybe even later if we keep getting cool, wet weather.

2008 Season

Opening weekend passed by with storms and high water on just about every stream in SE Idaho. This week I am traveling to Stump Creek (my annual trip) to test the waters. With gas prices so high, I am hoping for a little luck when it comes to clear, fishable water. I am looking forward to a great summer and expect the high snow pack to contribute to excellent fishing conditions. I even added a solunar table (courtesy of www.solunarforecast.com) to plan your trip. See Bottom of Page for Table. My html skills are weak at best and hopefully I'll get the table worked out over the next few days. Good fishing!

2007 Season

Heat and arid conditions dominated southeast idaho this last summer and fishing conditions were not the best. Early fishing on Stump Creek resulted in quite a few 6-12 inchers and a few bigger browns. Regretfully I spent only a few days on the river but they were days well spent. Hoepfully winter will bring significant moisture to Idaho.

Winter Blues

Spring gave us an early treat with temps in the 50's through the middle of February but then winter returned dropping 2-3 inches of snow in Pocatello with up to 2 feet in the mountains. Although spring would have been nice we are need of some serious snow fall so fishing will be excellent later this year. I am looking forward to spending as many days on the rivers as possible after way to few days spent fishing in 2006.

Late August

My dad, my wife, and I spent Friday afternoon catching some cutthroats on a beautiful mountain stream. Overall it was a great day except the biggest fish we caught was 14". There were a lot of fish in the 8-10" range and a ton of minnows in the water. We haven't received any rain this summer so the water was a little below normal so the big fish likely went back to the reservoir. The Hopper/Dropper combo was the best way to go again with most fish taking the dropper.

Loss of Summer

Summer has come to a quick and resolute end with way too many days worked and way too many waters left unfished. My legal work has consumed most of my days and trying to repair a home has consumed the rest of the weekends. My priorities have all been clustered among the wrong things. I finally did get to go out for about an hour on Friday night on Cottowood Creek - a tributary of the Bear River in Southeast Idaho. I caught three (2 - 12" and 1 - 10") Bonneville cutts. Cottonwood Creek used to be gem of a stream but overfishing, questionable water transfers and continued disconnection with the Bear River have created a stream that suffers greatly from dewatering and the loss of the native run of Bear River cutts. A tragedy. It almost seems impossible just to get a fish screen on the diversion. A grew up (and my grandfather and father) fishing this little stream and the lack of fish is disheartening. But at least there were three. Take advantage of the last days of summer - I plan to and hopefully land a few 20+".

Upper Blackfoot

As you can probably tell the Blackfoot River is probably my favorite place to fish. On July 4 we fished in the morning and early afternoon and although it wasn't the wildest of days we caught a fair number of fish (~30) between my dad and me and probably half were 10"-16". ALmost all cutts but we did catch one pure rainbow and a few hybrids. I landed a 20" cutthroat - the Snake River cutts are beautiful - pic forthcoming. The Combo: hopper/dropper - the biggest cutt took the hopper off the surface - what a rush!! Fishing has been good in July. Good luck keeping the waters from haunting your dreams!

Blackfoot River

Opneing day on the Blackfoot River was ok. I caught quite a few fish but mostly 6-10" trout. I did catch one 14" cutthroat and missed a few bigger ones. My dad caught a few bigger cutthroats and a couple of nice rainbows. We might go back tomorrow. Best combo: ParaHopper/Dropper (beaded prince's nymph or hares ear)

Warm River

This last Saturday we went to the Warm River near Ashton, Idaho off the Bear Gulch parking area. The morning was a little stormy and cool but by mid afternoon it was a beautiful day. I caught 10-15 fish but only one 10" Brown. The rest were rainbows between 6" and 10" . I caught the majority on bead head prince nymphs and a few on a yellow stimulator (imitating the small golden stones that were on a few of the rocks). Overall it was a pretty slow day and a poor day for larger fish. The Warm River never has had the highest fish count compared to other rivers but it is a beautiful spring creek that drops through an impressive canyon. There are alot of deep holes that likley hold some nice trout if you could just get them to rise. Here's a picture of the Warm through one of the rapid stretches in the canyon.

Opening Weekend

The rivers and streams continue to roar with runoff and likely will continue to roar for a couple more weeks. It looks like the weather will be warm and sunny which will help quicken the runoff. We went fishing Saturday of opening weekend on Winder Reservoir with our family trying to hook into a little panfish action but the weather was cold, windy, rainy, and downright miserable so we didn't last more than one half hour. Hopefully the next few weekends will be better and the fly hatches will be thick. Good fishing.

Spring Runoff

That's right - spring is finally overcoming winter in SE Idaho this week. We have had flood warnings on one of the local rivers with alot of snow still to melt in the high country. The benefit of the high water and runoff is for the first time in years the streams and rivers will be flushed of all of the sediment and moss providing a clean stream bed for spawning trout. Fishing should be great this year!!!

Winters end?

After a few month hiatus I return in anticipation of a great fishing season in 2006. The snowpack here in Idaho is above normal which bodes well for trout fisheries. There will likely be significant runoff this year to flush the stream systems and produce excellent late summer fishing. Winter has felt like an eternity this year and spring will bring a welcome energy that has been missing for months.

Any thoughts on Public Land be sold by the federal government? Terrible idea - one of the great things about Idaho is our public land and the open and free access we have to millions of acres of wild land. Land along streams will be the first to go and fishing access will be diminished unless the public land sale is halted. Watch out if Dirk Kempthorne is appointed as Secretary of Interior. We also need to stop Butch Otter from becoming the Governor of this State or we will have no public land left. Comments welcome.

Blackfoot River Cutt

Here is a photo of one of the beautiful Yellowstone Cutts caught on the Blackfoot River this fall.

Last Days of Autumn

Here in Southeast Idaho, the cool autumn days have virtually left the rivers and streams void of fishing activit as most people head to the hills and forest searching for the elusive big game trophy. Regretfully, I am one of those individuals and as a result lose the opportunity to enjoy some of the wonderous fall fishing. I think I need to change my ways since so many hunting trips end with dissapointment of never seeing anything worthy of a flyfishing trip on any Idaho river/stream. I'll spend the next 6 months dreaming about fishing and waiting for the next opportunity to catch some trout. Maybe it'll give me some time to tie flies and quite relying on the often poorly crafted store bought flies that fall apart after one fish or twenty casts.

As a final note, after spending as much time outdoors as possible, I have noticed that in the past 10 years much has changed - there are less trout in the streams (for example, Cottonwood Creek by our family ranch used to be loaded with Bonneville Cutthroat Trout but the last time we went we saw a big zero) and there are far fewer trophy big game in the mountains (in a place where we used to see trophy mule deer and 40-50 deer in one spot, we saw none). Granted, some of the lack of game may be to my own deficiencies, but I would bet that the natural world that so many cherish and which brings renewal to our souls is quickly diminishing to the point of no return. Between cattle grazing, ATV's, stream dewatering, and other things, there won't be much left for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. Take a stand wherever you may be and preserve what's left of our natural resources.

Upper Blackfoot

My father and I went back to the upper BLackfoot again this last weekend and after suffering through a cold-wet morning where our hands were so stiff that tying on a fly was a 20 minute task, we caught probably around 50 fish - mostly 8-12" cutts. We also landed two 20" inch cutts, two 17" rainbows and a couple of cutts in the 15-17" range. Overall, it was another great day of fly fishing. There is nothing better than to hear the line zipping of the reel as a native cutthroat rips downstream.

Upper Blackfoot

Saturday morning my dad and I went to the Blackfoot river and had an amazing day of fishing. We caught probably 60+ fish between the two of us between 8-24". I landed one 24 inch cutthroat and a 22 inch cutthroat and lost a rainbow that was even bigger than the 24" cutt. A lot of the fish were in the 8-12" range but there was a fair number of larger fish as well. It was an awesome day. One to log into the memory books to be recalled whenever the big fish story rises to the occasion. We caught all the fish on bead-headed prince nymphs and hares ears; and hoppers (para hoppers with tan/cream/yellow bodies)

Small Stream excellence

Two weekends ago I went to central Idaho for the weekend and spent some time fishing one of Idaho's gems - a small 'unnamed' mountain stream. After enduring a few thunderstorms, my father and I caught a few beautiful 10 inch cutthroats with vibrant colors. We also ran into a few steelhead smolt. The highlight of the trip was when I hooked into a 24+ inch trout in a deep hole amidst the dense pine-covered stream. We fought for about 20 minutes when after about a 30 yard run downstream in fast, brushy water, my line snapped. Thrill and dissappointment - everything a fly fisherman lives for and everything that keeps me going back for more every chance I get.

Upper Blackfoot River

For the first time in years there was actually water in the upper Blackfoot. Water tempatures were fairly warm and, with the hot weather coming these next weeks, will likely get warmer. FIshing was ok. Between my father and I, we caught 18-20 trout, mostly in the 8-10 inch range but a few 16-20 inchers and I lost one that was likely 20+. Most of the larger fish were rainbows with a few cutts. The hoppers are out now so don't go on the stream without a stockpile of hoppers.

Eastern Idaho Streams

Streams in Eastern Idaho by Wyoming are still high with runoff/thunderstorms and will propbably not be fishable for a few more weeks. On Wednesday we went to one stream and say little activity on the water although there were many caddis and stoneflies on the bushes. Water was still murky and high. FIshing in July might actually be good this year.

Delayed fishing season

Rain continues to fall in SE Idaho. It's even cold enough to snow during this first full week of June. Many of the rivers are still murky with runoff and thunderstorm water but it looks like next week will be awesome for fishing. Hopefully, the plentitude of rain will continue so fish will once again have water in streams. Most activity so far has been subsurface - nymphs and streamers. Good luck on your next trip.