Rivers -

May
15

2012 Season Big Fish Contest Winners

Congratulations to Jason Epstein on his early season Henry’s Fork rainbow trout. One reason Jason caught this 26 inch beast, Jason ate a salmon fly to start the day. The other reason, guide Jay Myers.

Drew Daniels followed up close behind with his 26 inch cutbow from the South Fork not long after. Way to go Drew and guide Patrick Hogan.

Both of these big fish season contest winners get a 4 night 3 day stay at Teton Valley Lodge for them and a guest. Who will win this year? It could be you. See you this season.

0 Categories : Fishing Report, Henry's Fork, Idaho, South Fork

Apr
4

“This is a great spot for big fish”

by Matt Berry

Several years ago my dad, Brian and I were heading up the road to Cottonwood about this time of year. Cottonwood is an access on the South Fork of the Snake. In the spring the road is closed about half way up. We had to put in around Wolverine. On the way up the road just past Wolf a little ways our dad starts talking about a spot in the river we are passing.

“You see this spot right here”, he points. ”This is a great spot for big fish”.

Brian and I both stated we had been guiding a long time and had never seen a big fish in the spot. We both knew our dad had been guiding more that both of us put together times 2, but kids will be kids, even if they are about 25 and 30.

“Many years ago Wood Palmer wanted me to show him how to catch big fish”. Dad said. “We fished this section and we caught some really nice fish in that spot. There are very big trout in that area”.

Brian and I were not persuaded. We hardly ever caught anything in the spot he was talking about. We got to Wolverine and began our day. It was an overcast spring day with cool temperatures. As usual, fishing streamers along the soft current banks and drop-offs was producing trout. We were having a great day. Reaching the spot he had earlier pointed out, Dad told us to pull into the big fish spot. Brian and I were skeptical. It wasn’t long before Dad had a fish on. He was very excited, mostly because we had doubted him in this instance. “Hot Dog!”, he exclaimed. ”Oh boy, oh boy”.

He showed us. It wasn’t the first and surely wasn’t the last either. Even though he is gone, he is still teaching us.

Randy on the South Fork

We were so lucky to have such a wonderful father that taught us so many things. He truly is a great man. There is not a day that goes by we don’t think of him and our mother, Sandy.

0 Categories : Family, Fish, Guides, Idaho, Rivers, South Fork

May
23

Henry’s Fork 23 inch Brown Trout

by Matt Berry

Henry’s Fork 23 inch brown trout on dry.

0 Categories : Fish, Fishing Report, Henry's Fork

May
14

You need to get out on the river

by Matt Berry

Fly fishing on the South Fork of the Snake is red hot. Hatches on the river right now range from midges to mayflies. The trout are very eager to eat. We are currently seeing July type action. One boat a few days ago landed around 80 trout. I really don’t remember fishing this good at this time of year.

This 22 inch brown is kind of skinny from a long winter. He will be bulking up soon on big stonefly nymphs and all the other hatches we are now having.

The Henry’s Fork is about to go off too with the salmon fly hatch just around the corner. Those big bugs on the Henry’s Fork will be coming off any day with the weather and water conditions we are currently experiencing.

We have opened early this year due to the excellent weather and fishing conditions. You need to get out on the river, give us a call, lets go fishing.

0 Categories : Fishing Report, Hatch, news, Rivers, South Fork

Apr
17

Get Your Fish On

by Matt Berry

Get your fish on!

Fly fishing here in Idaho in the spring is a whole lot of fun. Exceptionally nice weather conditions are going on now. The Henry’s Fork and the South Fork fish well in the spring on nymphs and streamers. Caddis hatches and midge hatches occur often too. Who doesn’t want to get out on the river after a long winter of cold weather? Warm days practically drive you to the water. Come get your fish on!

0 Categories : Fish, Fishing Report, Henry's Fork, Idaho, Rivers, South Fork, Trout, Weather

Mar
16

South Fork of the Snake River Fish Count Near Record High

by Matt Berry

The South Fork fish numbers look good for the upcoming season. Are you ready? The following is from an article in the Jackson Hole News & Guide.

A fish count on the South Fork of the Snake River last fall showed more than 5,177 fish per mile, the second-highest number recorded since the mid-1980s.

An increase in brown trout helped boost the overall numbers.

Figures are closely watched by biologists trying to maintain a viable Yellowstone cutthroat trout population in one of the nation’s blue-ribbon fisheries.

In 1986, biologists counted a record 5,692 fish per mile in the South Fork, a stretch of the Snake in Idaho.

“Our estimates are pointing to good fishing to be had this year,” said Brett High, regional fisheries biologist for Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

0 Categories : Fish, fish and game, Fishing Report, Idaho, South Fork