Tips - Idaho Fly Fishing | Teton Valley Lodge

May
2

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best rod size for your area?

While many rod sizes will work in given circumstances, your best bet is a 6 weight 9 foot rod. You will need to be able to throw big bugs and small ones too. With this size rod you will be able to cast at distance and into the wind. You will also be able to fight fish properly, being able to release them quickly.

Which airport should I fly into?

You have three options. Idaho Falls, Idaho is a good choice. It may be cheaper than another option, Jackson Wyoming. If you have a private or chartered plane you can fly into Driggs, Idaho. We provide airport service to all three locations.

Do I need to bring waders?

Most of your fishing will be done from a drift boat. If you never want to get your feet wet, you can fish from the boat all day. There are opportunities to get out and wade if you wish. You don’t need to to catch fish however. If you are here on the shoulder months April, May, early June, late September or October, waders are welcome in case of rain or wading. During late June, July, August and early September you can wet wade with no problem.

Will I have the same guide every day?

Each day you will have a new guide. You will benefit by having a different guide each day. This will give you opportunity to learn from several different guides.

Where do I get a fishing license?

You can buy a license at the tackle shop here at the lodge. You can also buy one online at IDFG Online License Purchasing.

What if I don’t want to have a long day?

Many of our guests want to fish all day. If you want a shorter one, no problem. Just let us know, we can fit your schedule.

Can I come by myself?

Fishing alone even if you are in a group is a great way to catch a ton of fish. The guide will be concentrating on you and your needs. This is a great chance to improve your skills. We have separate rates for single anglers.

What day should I arrive on?

You can arrive on any day of the week. Tailor your trip to your schedule. You can stay at the lodge as long or short as you like.

What if my wife does not want to fish every day?

There are many other things to do in Teton Valley. We can help set up excursions for any of your group. She is welcome to do as she wishes.

Do you serve alcohol?

Guides will have beer in the coolers on the boats. We have local brews on tap in the lodge. Wine by the glass can be purchased at dinner. We don’t sell other types of alcohol. You are welcome to bring your own or we can pick some up for you.

Do you have rental gear?

Rental rods and reels are available in the tackle shop. We carry Sage and Galvan.

Can my group rent out the entire lodge?

A group needs to be at least 24 people to get the lodge exclusive. Your group would then be able to set meal times, fishing schedules and have the lodge to yourself.

I have special dietary needs, can you accommodate me?

Our chefs are happy to make meals according to your dietary needs.

I want to bring my kids. What is a good age to start them fly fishing?

All kids are different. A good general age for kids is 12. By this age they have more patience and are able to fish all day. If you feel your child is old enough, they probably are.

Can I just fish with you for the day?

Many people from the area fish with us for the day. You don’t have to be staying at the lodge to get out on the rivers.

2 Categories : Idaho, Tips

Apr
28

Trout Recipe

by Matt Berry

I am not sure where we got this trout recipe. I know that great-grandfather Alma cooked trout in this manner. I wonder if he would mind me sharing this recipe? Ever cooked with a dutch oven. You will need one for this recipe.

Is trout good for you? Trout in general can be very good for you. It is high in Omega 3 fatty acids which many physicians feel helps to lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. This assumes that you are careful how you cook the trout. This trout recipe probably pushes the limits of healthy eating.

First of all, and the most fun, you will need to catch some fish. Make sure and check the regulations in your area. Small fish are better. They fit nicely in the dutch oven. You also don’t have to cook them as long as big fish. The bones of the smaller fish tend to dissolve during cooking too. Clean the fish well. I don’t like to eat my fish with the heads on. Just a preference.

You will need a very hot fire. Around here we use dead willow branches for our fires. They burn hot and fast. You want the fire to burn down to coals fast. You will be cooking over the coals and not the flames. Willows break down fast so you don’t have to wait very long to start cooking.

Place a pound of butter in the dutch oven. Now take a pound of bacon and toss it inside. Let this simmer for a about 5 minutes.

Place salt and pepper along with some flour in a trash bag. Place the trout in the bag too. Now shake it up so the trout gets covered in the flour, salt and pepper.

Now you want to pull the dutch oven out of the coals. Take a slice of bacon and put a slice into each trout. Take any left over slices of bacon and place them on top of all the trout. Once this is complete, place the dutch oven back in the coals and cook for 10-15 minutes.

The trout are ready to eat when the tails are crispy like bacon. Serve with corn-on-the-cob and dutch oven potatoes. Enjoy.

Got a trout recipe of your own? Feel free to share.

0 Categories : Fish, Tips, Tutorial

Mar
14

5 Ways to Prepare for a Guided Trip

by Dallin Owens

When fly fishing with a professional guide, there are a few things you can do to ensure a great guided fishing trip. — As a guide, we are responsible for 3 main things. 1) You’re safety. 2) Improving your fly fishing skills 3) Catching fish. If we can acquire all three of these factors, chances are you are going to go home smiling. Here are 5 tips that you can do, to make the day an absolute success.

1. Listen

The number one way to prepare for a guided trip is to ready yourself to listen. Whether you are an expert or a beginner you should be constantly looking to improve you’re skills. This can only be acquired through time and experience. Every person has certain skills and talents. I once heard a Doctor tell another guide “We are the best at what we do, and you are the best at what you do.” Respect each others expertise, and listen to what can be taught.

2. Relax

In some cases people need to relax on the water. Sometimes the pressure is so strong to catch fish, that people forget the whole reason for fishing…. To enjoy themselves. In this case, people need to relax on the water. People who are high strung typically are too quick the set the hook– a major issue when fishing with large dry flies. When ever I take a husband and wife combo in the boat, it is almost guaranteed that the wife will out fish the husband. I believe that this is because women anglers are generally relaxed and easy going, thus wooing in the trout…

3. Prepare

If you have time before the trip, hone your casting skills. A clients “castablility” in my opinion is the greatest X factor. Yes, we can teach you on the water (and we will)….but if you practice, even for a little bit before you’re trip, you will catch twice as many fish. Set up a course in you’re back yard with targets and practice casting to them. You will enjoy yourself and become a better angler.

4. Have a Good Attitude

Come with a good attitude. I like to call it “Fish-Kharma”…… For some reason, fish can sense a bad attitude. If you do not believe that you have the right guide, the right flies and a strong knot to tie them all together…. plan for a miserable day! A good attitude brings fish to the boat.

5. Trust the Guide

Trust your guide. If you show trust in your guide, he will go out of his way to make sure you have the best day possible. Remember… “You are the best at what you do, and we are the best at what we do.”

If you are going on any guided fishing trips, take these suggestions into account and have fun.

0 Categories : Idaho, Tips

Feb
4

Flies rusted? CLR it.

by Matt Berry

I really hate it when my flies get rusted. Last June, we had what seemed like three straight weeks of rain. Not our usual weather. No matter what you tried to keep your flies dry, they would just get wet, and stay wet.

I use the meiho box with a gasket for my nymphs and really like the box. However, myflies were still getting wet with the constant downpour.

Frustrated, and not wanting to dump the flies in the trash, I thought there must be a way to clean them up. Then I remembered the CLR under the sink. We use it for the terrible water stains we get from our well water. I put a small amount in a bowl and placed a few flies in. I figured they were near ruined anyway, why not try? Sure enough the CLR cleaned them right up. Just dump the flies out on a paper towel and then rinse them off. The flies were nearly brand new.

A great little tip to save your flies and your wallet.

0 Categories : Reviews, Tips, Weather

Jan
23

PMD Parachute Tying Tutorial

by Matt Berry

PMD’s, (pale morning dun’s) hatch more prolifically and over a longer period of time than any other mayfly in our area. They constitute a very important food source for the trout in Idaho rivers. Every angler should have a strong knowledge of their characteristics and life cycle. The parachute that we tie in this video imitates a pmd in the dun stage. A dun is a mayfly that has just emerged from the water. The time most commonly referred to as a “hatch” is when duns appear on the surface. The parachute patterns that mimic duns float better than any other imitations. When tied properly, they represent the insects very well. We hope you enjoy this tying instruction and have success spinning up some of your own.

2 Categories : Hatch, Tips, Tutorial, Video

Jan
16

Tie One Up

by Matt Berry

David Berry age 5 spinning up a new creation

You’r never too young to start tying flies and loving fishing! My son watches me tie flies almost every day and often jumps in to try his hand at the craft. I love it. Tying flies is a great way to stay connected to the sport during the “off season”. Not only is it rewarding in it’s own way, I also believe that tying will make you a better fisherman once the season gets back underway. Knowing what makes each fly different and what makes them work the way they do is valuable knowledge.

To further others endeavors into the tying arena we will be posting more fly tying videos starting next week. We hope you like them and that they will be helpful in some way to those learning to tie and those wanting to improve their tying skills. Look for them soon. If their is a pattern that you would like to see us tie leave us a comment and we will try to make them happen.

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0 Categories : Hatch, Tips