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Hi everyone,
Runoff on the Snake River has peaked and the
water is slowly beginning to clear, but has a ways to go before it
can be considered fishable. Recent snow and rain has helped
Jackson Lake reach 72% of it’s capacity as of today. Area lakes
such as Jenny, Lewis, and Jackson have been fishing well. Tomorrow
marks the opening of Yellowstone Lake which we fully expect to be
very good, as always.
With Jackson Hole streams still in runoff
stage many locals have been making the short trek to Idaho to fish
the Henry’s Fork. Fittingly we have included a special report on
“the Fork” just in time for the Ranch opener on Saturday by Howard
Cole.
Henry's Fork
Well it‘s that time again. The opener of the
fabled Harriman Railroad Ranch of the Henry’s Fork. For many Ranch
Regulars it is engrained far deeper than tradition. It is part of
our souls. June 15th is the time honored date and this
year should be met with the normal hatches, less one. I doubt if
the legendary Green Drake Hatch will be there. I think this year
it will be a little late but if the local weather conditions
continue when it does arrive it should be a good one. Overcast and
rainy weather typically make for ideal Green Drake hatches and
that what it has been happening. Be prepared with Caddis, PMD’s,
Baetis, and possibly still, Western March Browns. Darker caddis
patterns 14’s through 18’s should be the norm. Hemmingway, U-Con
2’s, and Smith’s Translucent Emerger would all be excellent caddis
patterns to have stocked in one’s flybox. Any of your favorite PMD
patterns in size 16 should do the trick early in the season before
those PHD fish make use of their diplomas. The old Quigley Cripple
and the newer Winger PMD are good ones. The Baetis have been small
22’s. You could look at the reliable Sparkle Dun, Brook’s Sprout
Emerger, and Andy Burk’s BWO Silhouette as good choices. The March
Brown’s have been different this year in that they are about a
size 15 instead of the normal 12-14. We are just about at the end
of that hatch but there still have been a few of them popping up
in the Last Chance area. So it may be worth while carrying an
imitation in 14 or 16. There are not of a lot of shops that carry
this fly because of its regional and seasonal value. High Country
Flies carries it in several different styles and you can order
them from us, but in a pinch you might try a Quill Gordon in the
appropriate size. One last thing, it still is a little early but
don’t forget spinners for the PMD’s. Oh yea I’d probably have a
Green Drake or two just in case.
Most people think of the “Ranch” when talk
leans toward the Henry’s Fork. There is a lot of the 120 miles of
Henry’s Fork to fish. Not just the “Ranch.” The “Box Canyon” is
probably just behind the “Ranch” in fame. Look for Golden Stones
and Caddis on top. Underneath, imitations that represent the same
will be in order. Throw in some Pheasant Tails and Prince Nymphs
and you’re set. The lower river around Ashton has seen some
incredible dry fly fishing. With absurd hatches of PMD’s, Baetis,
and a smattering of Flav’s thrown in for good measure. If the
dries are just not happening try a size 8 Whitlock Golden Stone as
the lead nymph and an Andy Puyan’s Gold Bead Thorax Pheasant Tail
in size 14 or 16 as the dropper.
Do yourself a favor and fish some of the less
known areas this year. It will give up its secrets if you take the
time to listen. You will find how rewarding this unique fishery
can be.
Until next time…
Guy Turck and Howard Cole
High Country Flies
Jackson
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