When to Come and What To Expect:
Fly Fishing: Outside Yellowstone National Park – August – Henry’s Fork of the Snake River
The Henry’s Fork of the Snake is a very diversified river. It has all types of water, from spring creek water to fast flowing pocket water. Success often depends on where you fish the river or more specifically when you are at a certain section of the river. Basically, everyone floods the river during the Green Drake Hatch at Harriman State Park and the Salmonfly hatch below Aston, but then the crowds disappear. The fishing remain good all Summer including the entire month of August. The water doesn’t get too warm to fish in many areas and the fish continue to cooperate.
The Box Canyon can get into good shape water level wise about the middle of August. The flows are reduced during the peak irrigation season. The last couple of week can be good. This is nymph fishing water with little dry fly action but the fish are large rainbows. The water can only be safely waded if it is low.
The Harriman State Park is good all month. The trico mayflies and callabeatis will be hatching. The trout respond to both these mayflies well. There is good late afternoon and early evening caddisfly action. This is also the best of the terrestrial season at this area of the river. Imitations of ants, beetles and grass hoppers will take fish if presented properly.
Cardiac Canyon is another fast water section that requires some hiking to get too, but will produce all month if you fish nymphs.
The section of the river below Aston is usually high from irrigation demands. Trout can be caught on nymphs but the dry fly action is slack during August.
The Henry’s Fork is one place you should consider for August. The big advantage is the trout are wild and big. Many anglers rather catch one trout in the Harriman State Park than a dozen elsewhere. They don’t come very easy, but the rewards are huge.
Copyright 2012 James Marsh