The South Fork is finally back to normal flows. I gotta say it is somewhat strange to see the river at the 9000 level. It had been so high for so long. Fishing has been improving over the past couple weeks and should only get better.
The South Fork is finally back to normal flows. I gotta say it is somewhat strange to see the river at the 9000 level. It had been so high for so long. Fishing has been improving over the past couple weeks and should only get better.
Have you heard the rivers in our area are blown out? Well they aren’t. The South Fork is flowing at or near it’s historical mean. The river fished quite well, on 6/29/11, even better than the Henry’s Fork. Small and medium sized golden stoneflies are beginning to hatch.
The Henrys Fork is flowing higher than its average for this time of year, but that is a good thing. The Henry’s Fork for several years has been lower than ideal at this time of year. The level of the river right now is fantastic.
The only river right now that is quite high is the Teton River. It is still not as high as it was in 1997. We don’t plan on fishing much on the Teton in the next week. There are however a couple stretches fishing ok right now.
There are north flowing rivers in the United States. Two rivers that flow north in the United States are the Teton and the Snake rivers in Idaho. When we think of rivers in the northern hemisphere, we assume they all flow south. It makes sense, to us south is down.
The lowest point in Idaho is the Snake River at 710 ft. This is right near the town of Lewiston. The Snake River in Idaho is made up of the Henry’s Fork and the South Fork of the Snake which meet up outside of Idaho Falls. The elevation of Idaho Falls is 4744 ft. The beginning of the Snake in Wyoming which makes the South Fork is at about 7400 ft. The Henry’s Fork begins at 6398 ft.
As the Snake makes its way from Idaho Falls it travels a bit south and then the river flows west across the entire state of Idaho. Outside of Twin Falls the river begins to turn to the north west. West of Boise, the capital of Idaho, the Snake makes a sharp turn and makes its way north up through Hells Canyon and onto Lewiston. The Snake then makes its way west into Washington where it joins the Columbia River. The river then makes its way west to the coast of Oregon.

Image from Wikipedia
The Teton River begins in Teton Valley Idaho. While much smaller than the Snake River, it does flow north for nearly half of its length. This river is a spring creek that is formed by many many springs at the south end of Teton Valley. Near the confluence of Fox Creek the Teton is formed. Generally the river begins at the White Bridge. The Teton river makes its way through the valley being fed by smaller streams. When the Teton river reaches Bitch Creek, it turns sharply to the West and makes its way to the Henry’s Fork near Rexburg Idaho.
Have you got some other rivers to add to the list? Comment below.
The Snotel sites are reporting 140% of normal snow water equivalent for our area of Idaho. We have had a very wet and snowy November and it looks to continue.
Our reservoirs along the snake river look great for this time of year. All in all I like the water outlook for 2011 that we are seeing right now. We will keep you updated on the water conditions throughout the winter months.
By Steven Pope

Here in Eastern Idaho, the Snake River is the lifeblood of our economy, along with its lakes and tributaries. The watershed council met Tuesday morning to look at a variety of water issues.
Members of the group Friends of the Teton River say they’re doing everything they can to protect it through education and awareness.
“The health of the river is really important to both locals, tourists, and to the economic health of the whole valley,” said Lyn Benjamin, with the Friends of the Teton River.
The reservoir levels for South Eastern Idaho are very high for the end of 2009. Snow pack is low right now, but with the bulk of winter in front of us, the reservoirs bode well for a great water year once again for our rivers. Deep cold water exiting the dams is one of the biggest contributors to great fishing throughout the summer. It looks like a great summer is in store for us all.
I have just returned from a trip to your lodge. Having never fly fished before, I was a bit leary of it, but I am happy to report that you guys have made a lifetime enthusiast out of me. Me and my two sisters and father enjoyed the daily trips on the river and the fishing turned out to be one of the best family outings our family has encountered. Staci Eagle Bob Hanke and I have been coming to your lodge for something like 25 years. We’ve always had excellent fishing results and have never had a bad trip. However, the trip we had this year to the Henry’s Fork, specifically Bear Gulch, has got to be the best fishing day I have ever had, and I think Bob agrees. G.R. Post I wanted to let you know what a great time we had at the lodge. Everyone enjoyed the fishing, the lodge, food and guides. From the beginers to those that had fished before, everyone caught fish and enjoyed themselves. I personally enjoyed fishing with your dad, that was a good time, and the Narrows fishing with Brian was a treat too. I have wanted to fish that section for a long time. Hunter Ford I just want to thank you again for all of your, Matt’s, Brian’s and everyone’s help and support for the Blue Ridge meeting. The fishing was great and all of you were great. Thanks. Have a good winter and we look forward to next year. John Cohen Outstanding day I was put on dozens of fish! The South Fork truly is one of the best fly fishing waters one could experience. My guide worked hard to make sure he was meeting my needs. You and your team have out done yourselves again. Rex Baldwin I would like to say “WOW!” My son Andrew and I had a marvelous time again this year and the fishing was simply awesome. I would like to commend our guide, Jonathan Murray, on his knowledge, candor, and help in making our trip one of the best ever. Terry Wilkerson I will never forget the day spent with you on the Middle Narrows! Forty-four fish before stopping for lunch and seventy by the end of the day!! What an unbelievable experience! Dale Geisleman I could not have imagined a greater experience for outstanding fishing, wonderful patience on your part teaching me to fly fish, and above all, world class service. My family and friends have heard about every minute and we are making plans to come again next year. The adrenaline rush of dry fly fishing is addictive and becoming an obsession. Rex Baldwin Your lodge was simply just great. We have spent time in a lot of places over the years but TVL has to rate at the top of the list for overall comfort and layout. It was just ideal for the fishing trip we had planned. Bill Hubbard I really needed the time away to relax and charge my batteries again, and the great outdoors you call home in Idaho really did the trick…I didn’t want to leave:) the beauty and stillness was one of the best trips I have gone on with Sysco…and I have been on a lot during my 11 years, this one was the BEST! Dave Felix The combination of gorgeous scenery, your excellent staff’s efforts to please, and great fishing make it tough to imagine a more memorable and enjoyable experience. Tim Buckley We were all impressed by the quality of your guides. We have never experienced a group of individuals so committed to making our visit the most it could be for us. They were great instructors, coaches and guides. For that, you have our great appreciation and admiration. Bill Hubbard |
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