The Henry's Fork of the Snake River, located in eastern Idaho, is one of the most famous trout streams in all of the United States. It's legendary hatches and abundant large wild rainbow trout make the Henry's Fork one of America's top fly-fishing destinations. The river flows for approximately 150 miles and within its journey passes some of the more classic dry fly water in the United States. Gentle flowing meadowland, pocket water, and spring creek like sections make up much of this legendary fishery made popular by Avril Harriman the railroad man. The Henry's Fork of the Snake is a spectacular river and fishery. Anglers come from all over the world to this river to fish its diverse and productive waters.
Henry's Lake is the source of the Henry's Fork River. The lake is fed by seven creeks, and by springs in the lake bottom. It is very rich water for trout, loaded with weeds and insects. Henry's lake is an awesome fishery in its own right and has produced many state records.
The river flowing from the outlet dam is just as rich as the lake. It winds across the grassy, often wildflower-covered meadows of Henry's Lake Flat. This is a section of quiet runs and deep pools with often marshy or boggy banks and many spring-fed tributary creeks. The fish do not have many holding spots due to an almost featureless bottom, and tend to gather in the deeper holes. This is a six-mile meandering meadow section flanked on three sides by mountain ranges in excess of 10,000 feet. The fish run large, seldom less than two pounds. One must seek concealment or kneel while casting and keep low until the fish are hooked. The first half of this section from Henry's Lake to where Big Springs flows into the river is a good stretch of water that is less visited than much of the water below Island Park Reservoir. Above the confluence of Big Springs and on to the lake outlet is an all-wild trout fishery and receives no hatchery fish. This section is the least fished of any part of the river. For the angler who hates crowds Henry's Lake Flat is the place. Below the Flats you can expect about two miles of dense willow swamp before the river meets the 480 million-gallon daily flow of 52-degree water from Big Springs.
From Big Springs down to the U.S. Highway 191 bridge at
Mack's Inn the Henry' s Fork is a deep swamp-marsh stream of very large
pools with a mostly silt-covered bottom. There is gravel underneath the
silt,
and
it shows in some places, but in others the silt is deep enough to be problematic.
This is however a cold and productive stretch of the Henry's Fork.
Below Island Park Reservoir begins the one of the
most popular stretches of Henry's Fork River. A mile below the tail-water
outflow of the reservoir the Buffalo River flows into the Henry's Fork.
The junction of these two rivers is the start of Box Canyon, which is
famous for its large rainbows that inhabit this section of tumbling
water. The fishing here is especially good for anglers looking for an "easier" place
to fish. This section is roughly 3 miles long and can be entered most
easily by the road turning into Island Park Reservoir just north of
Pond's Lodge, then turning off just short of the dam down to the boat
launching spot about a half-mile downstream from the dam.
Below Box Canyon the Henry's Fork slows down and widens
once it emerges from its narrows on its way through the community of Last
Chance.
Here the Henry's Fork looks more like a giant spring creek than a river.
This seven-mile stretch through Last Chance and Harriman State Park is
not
only home to
an abundance of large wild rainbows but also acclaimed for its prolific
hatches.
The flat meadow water of the Harriman State Park encompasses some of the best dry fly fishing anywhere. These college-educated rainbows can be very selective and unpredictable and have humbled many of the world's finest anglers. This meandering meadow water extends for about 9 miles, starting at Last Chance below the mouth of Box Canyon and extending downstream to the summer home community of Pinehaven.
The Henry's Fork below Osborne Bridge lies about three miles
of water; there are some nice glides, a few riffles then the smooth water stretch
approaching
Pinehaven. The half or three-quarters of a mile of water just above and below
Pinehaven is a truly great stretch of water with almost as many hatches as
the Harriman State Park but respect the private property.
Below the park the Henry's Fork flows for a few more miles before
reaching Riverside Campground. After passing Riverside Campground the river
enters Cardiac
Canyon. This canyon provides tremendous pocket water fishing for nearly 8 miles
before reaching Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. If you float this section know
what you are doing.
From the Riverside Campground downstream to the confluence of Warm River, the Henry's Fork drops about 1000 feet in elevation. This includes about 15 miles of water. Most of this area is inaccessible and requires some hiking into a steep canyon. The water is very similar to the Box Canyon and you fish it much the same way.
After the Henry's Fork cascades over Mesa Falls it slows down its pace The river
flows for several miles before reaching the confluence of the Warm River. Brown
trout and a small population of Yellowstone Cutthroats join the population
of rainbows below Mesa Falls. Much of this stretch is accessible from a
road that runs along the north bank of the river.
Below Warm River the Henry's Fork takes on a different look with more defined
pools, runs and riffles. After joining the Warm River the Henry's Fork
flows
for several more miles before reaching Ashton Reservoir. The access
is very good and most of the water is wadable. This section of Henry's
Fork has a large population of trout, but since it isn't under the protection
of special regulations many of the fish run small, there are some big
ones however so always be ready. This section is also an easy float.
Below Ashton Reservoir is another tail-water section worth fishing. The seven-mile area from Ashton Dam to Chester Reservoir is an excellent tail-water fishery. The hatches here are very dependable and receive lighter pressure than the upper parts of the river.
The section of the Henry's Fork below Chester Reservoir is a good section
of river but has more limited access. Some quality fish are found throughout
this
stretch
of river.
Access to Henry's Fork River can be found along Route 20, Route 47, and
other side roads along the river. There are several areas to fish along
the
river that are clearly marked.
Hatch
Chart for the Henry's Fork of the Snake River
Fly-fishing the Firehole River in Yellowstone in the Fall. The steam in the background is from the thermal featureso the Middle Geyser Basin.
"But when I am alone in the half light of the canyon
all existence seems to fade to a being with my soul, and memories. And
the sounds of the Big Black Foot River, and a four count rhythm, and the
hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and
a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and
runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless
raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.
I am haunted by waters."
Sound-bite from a River Runs Through it.
The Yellowstone Teton Region fly-fishing is blessed with
a plethora of blue ribbon trout waters that host prolific hatches of Mayflies,
Caddis Flies and Stone Flies. Dozens of rivers and hundreds of lakes and
streams, all world-class fisheries that attract anglers from around the world.
The Henry’s Fork, the Snake, the Madison, and the Yellowstone Rivers have
been elevated to legendary status by the movies made about them and the books
and articles that have been written about them.
If you believe what you read, fly-fishing requires the
touch of a surgeon and the spirit of a Zen master. Well, it might help but
it certainly isn’t required around here. Forget about what you’ve heard about
fly-fishing in the past, if you really want to fly-fish all you need are
the right tools, proper technique, and a positive attitude. With these essential
elements, you can begin to enjoy the sport of fly-fishing in no time.
Fly-fisher fishing small stream high in the Wyoming Range outside Alpine Wyoming
Some time spent with a guide can enhance your skills exponentially in a very short time, as they are all trained to be teachers. A day discovering the best techniques for fly-fishing with a guide on one of our regional rivers or legendary spring creeks gives you the foundation for many years of productive fly-fishing enjoyment of the future. Many regional guides have spent a lifetime fly-fishing the rivers and streams of Yellowstone Teton Region. Their instruction of the best flies, how to read the water, presentation, and all aspects of fishing the Yellowstone region can greatly enhance your fly-fishing experience.
For those of you who already know how to fly-fish, or
do not want to hire a fly-fishing guide, all you need is a map, the proper
seasonal fly selection, and some current fly-fishing advice, all which can
be found for the price of a handful of flies at a local fly shop.
Most rental shops of the Yellowstone Teton region have drift boats rafts and float tubes for rent for those of you that wish to escape the confines of the bank of your river, lake, or stream, because as we all know, the big one is in the eddy on the far side of the river.
Cutthroat Trout soon to be returned into the Snake River south of Jackson Hole Wyoming.
Spin-cast fishing is popular around the area also and
is a very productive way to wet a line. Although spin fishing doesn’t require
the finesse and learning curve of fly-fishing, a guided trip with a guide
that knows spin-fishing can really improve our catch rate. Remember to keep
in mind to de-barb your hooks to improve your catches chance of survival
upon release. We also encourage lure fisherman to cut their treble hooks
down to a single hook.
The Snake River Drainage is home to a unique subspecies of cutthroat trout known
as the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat Trout. This outstanding game fish
is indigenous to the Snake River drainage and relies totally on natural reproduction.
Having a wild trout fishery with indigenous trout is not something we take
for granted and we highly encourage catch and release fishing to protect this
valuable resource.
Fly-fishermen enyoy fall fishing on the Gibbon River in Yellowstone National Park.
The Yellowstone Cutthroat, as the name implies, are native to the Yellowstone River drainage of southwest and south-central Montana and northwest Wyoming. In general, The relation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout to Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout is problematic. Early genetic analyses could not distinguish these subspecies, but recent attempts have been more successful.
Whether you are fishing for one of the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat our Yellowstone Cutthroat you will find their most endearing qualities is their fondness for feeding on top sipping mayflies flies or attacking stoneflies, drakes, and hoppers. Large dry flies like size eight Turck Tarantulas, Royal Wulffs, Club Sandwiches, and hoppers are all popular and good choices. Size six and even four stone fly patterns sometimes are also effective.
Actress Heather Thomas improves the scenery as she floats down the Snake River beneth the Grand Tetons as she competes in the One Fly Fishing Contest in Jackson Hole Wyoming.
Rainbow and Brown Trout can be found throughout the area as well a few sub-species of cutthroat trout, and some of our lakes are home to Kokanee Salmon.
Many of our lakes are gifted with giant Lake Trout, but you usually need to be an expert or lucky to get one in the 20 to 50 pound category. Most are taken by trolling with spoons or minnow-like plugs attached to wire-line rigs or downriggers. They can also be taken by bottom fishing with whole or cut fish. In summer they often move to depths of 50 to 100 feet, but in spring and fall you can find them at depths of 20 feet or less. When ice fishing you can catch Lake Trout in hardly any water at all.
Many of our lakes are put and take fisheries and are planted by the Idaho, Montana or Wyoming Game and Fish, but most of our rivers and streams are wild trout fisheries and do not receive planted fish.
What appears to be dueling fly-fishiners make an interesting photo as the compete in the One Fly Fishing Contest on the South Fork of the Snake River in Swan Valley Idaho
Our wild trout fisheries, due to the law of survival of
the fittest, produce a hardier, smarter game fish, and is a resource worthy
of protection. Catch and release although not mandatory on many waters is
often the practice. Many of the fish of the region are caught and released
40 times per year and if everyone kept their fish there wouldn’t be any here
except inferior hatchery fish.
I used to keep my big ones because they were such trophies, and I used to keep some to eat until I realized that I can buy a trout for two dollars in the store and that fish in the river provides has a much greater value than two dollars as a recreational resource.
Events
Chuck Yeager & Guide
Mike Lawson - One Fly Fishing Contest
Jackson
Hole One Fly Fishing Contest • Each year
in September, flyfisherman from around the world gather in Jackson
Hole Wyoming to participate in one of fly fishing's most unique events.
It
is a weekend filled with fun, challenges, adventures and of course,
the famous
Snake River Cutthroat trout.
Give
the Cutt-slam a try. • If you want to see some breathtaking
country, do a little camping and accomplish something that only around
300 people have done, you might
want to give Wyoming’s Cutt-Slam program a try. This year
marks the 10th anniversary of the program that recognizes anglers for
catching Wyoming’s four subspecies of cutthroats in their native
range. Back in the mid-90s, Wyoming fisheries coordinator, the late Ron
Remmick, had an idea to try to bring more public awareness to Wyoming’s
cutthroat trout and the management efforts benefitting these fish. The
Cutt-Slam was hatched and a program was developed to recognize anglers
for making the effort to catch the Snake River, Bonneville, Colorado
River and Yellowstone cutthroat subspecies.
Stories
Fly-fishers
go crazy saving flies - by D Dave Strege
One fly-fisher stripped his clothes off and swam naked into the river
to retrieve his fly that got snagged. Another stood on the shoulders
of the
guide and used pruning shears to cut down the branch where his fly was
lodged. A lucky one hooked a big fish that snapped his line, losing fish
and fly, only to wait five minutes before the fly somehow dislodged from
the trout's
mouth and popped to the surface. He netted it — the fly, that is.
What
would lead a fly-fisher to go to such extremes to save a fly caught
in a tree limb or a log in the riverh.................More
Greater Yellowstone Region Fishing Outfitters
Reel
Deal Anglers • (Jackson Hole Wyoming) Reel Deal Anglers is Jackson
Hole’s
Premier fishing guide service, don’t wait in a fly-fishing shop (we
provide all the flies), we pick you up and take you right to the river.
We guide
on the Snake River, Green
River, Henry’s Fork River, South Fork River, Madison River, New Fork
River, Salt River, Gros Ventre River and the Teton River as well as numerous
backcountry streams, popular
Fly-fishermen try their luck on the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park. The Firehole River is one of the first in the region fishable with dry flies in the Spring.
spring creeks, and exclusive private water
opportunities, so we can put you on the hottest water available at any
given time. Our guides are superb and are experts onthe water they specialize
in. With Reel Deal Anglers, you’ll float and wade fish on beautiful
rivers, encounter surprised wildlife, catch native trout while entertaining
chance encounters with elk, moose, bison osprey and bald eagles fishing
the same waters as you.
Henrys Fork Anglers • (Island
Park Idaho) Henry's Fork Anglers is located on the banks of the Henry's
Fork of the Snake River in Last Chance, Idaho. The Henry's Fork is
one of the most famous and diverse fly fishing rivers in the world,
with plenty to offer the advanced fly fisher as well as the beginner.
Its prolific aquatic insect hatches draw fly fishers from around
the globe to test their skills against highly selective rainbow trout.
South
Fork Lodge & Outfitters • (Swan Valley) Located
in the heart of eastern Idaho's premier fishing waters,
specializes in fly-fishing on the South Fork and Henry's
Fork of the Snake River and Blackfoot River. Our experienced,
knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will do everything
to make your trip an enjoyable one.
Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters • (Paradise Valley Montana) Big Sky Flies and Guides Outfitting Co. has merged with Angler's West Flyfishing Outfitters! We continue to offer the same fantastic guide service you've come to know and trust, and the finest selection of flyfishing equipment and quality outdoor apparrel at our Emigrant flyshop location. We are the premier Paradise Valley flyfishing outfitter. Come visit us and do so often!
Wild Trout Outfitters • (Big Sky Montana) Headquartered on the Gallatin River, ¼ mile south of the turn off to Big Sky, Montana, Wild Trout Outfitters Inc. is just 42 miles south of Bozeman on Highway 191, and turn left just past the Exxon station at Canyon Square Unit 1C. If traveling north from West Yellowstone, Montana (just 47 miles), turn right just before reaching the Exxon station. The Gallatin Field (Bozeman) and West Yellowstone airportsprovide air transportation for our area. Call or write if you have any questions related to your visit. We will be happy to help you find lodging, transportation and book your trip to your individual needs.
The River’s Edge • ( Bozeman Montana) Bozeman Montana’s premier fly fishing outfitter and fly shop. With the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers a short drive away and a store that carries only the finest in fly fishing products including Simms, Winston, Sage, Ross and Galvan, we’re confident we will provide the very best Montana trout fishing experience. Come see for yourself...
Madison River Outfitters • (West Yellowstone MT) Native cutthroats rising for hoppers along a grassy cut bank on the Yellowstone… Big brown trout slashing at emerging caddis in a broad riffle on Montana’s Madison… Wild rainbows sipping tiny blue winged olives in a setting of incomparable beauty on the Firehole… This is just
Fly-fisherman shows off Cutthroat Trout he just caught in Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park.
a sample of the action that takes place somewhere in our ‘backyard’ each day of the season! Madison River Outfitters, featuring an impressive selection of quality fly fishing tackle, custom flies, rugged outdoor clothing and hiking and backpacking equipment, is one of the finest fly shops in the Rocky Mountain West. We offer guide service in Montana and Yellowstone National Park and our friendly guides are committed to providing you with a great fly fishing experience on the world class fisheries surrounding West Yellowstone.
Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers • (Cody Wyoming) Tim Wade's North Fork Anglers is the premier Greater Yellowstone Fly Fishing Headquarters! Seen on ESPN, TNN Outdoor and other outdoors fly fishing programs, this fly shop is always a must stop destination for all anglers wanting the latest information on hatches, conditions, and the right equipment before they head out to explore the waters of the region. Tim Wade, owner
My Boys Cody and Scott fishing for brook trout in the Gardiner River in Yellowstone National Park.
and outfitter, has been guiding and instructing anglers in the Cody Wyoming / Yellowstone region for more than 20 years. During those years he has taught or written about fly fishing, fly tying, fly casting and entomology, sharing his knowledge of water and fish behavior with thousands of during that time. He still lovesto see one of his guests on a guided trip get hooked up with a wily brown, or untangle knots when needed, because it is all part of the job as guide or outfitter. "This is a job that is a privilege for me," Tim says. "My office is not bad either.
Two Rivers Emporium • (Pinedale Wyoming) Two Rivers Emporium offers some of the finest rainbow and brown trout fishing in the state of Wyoming. Our guides are extremely efficient and up to date on hatches and which flies and lures are working. We are here to help you in any way to make your fishing vacation more memorable. If there is any thing we can do, please contact us at our E-Mail address, or call our toll free number.
Fisheries Conservation Organizations
Curt Gowdy & Lee Wulff fishing the One Fly Fishing Contest
Jackson
Hole One Fly Capital Foundation • The
Jackson Hole One Fly Capital Foundation (One Fly) and the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) established a new partnership in 2003
to leverage both organizations’ funding and interest in cold
water fisheries conservation, particularly in the tributaries and mainstem
Snake and Yellowstone
Basins. The One Fly and NFWF have a long history in fisheries conservation
throughout the greater Snake River and Yellowstone region.
