I made a trip down to the boat ramp at Hatchery Ford while riding in Island Park. I couldn’t resist backing down the ramp. It won’t be long before we are down there looking for lunkers. I also made a trip along Railroad Ranch. There were some big boys feeding on the surface.
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.
I missed posting on Monday the 17th because we headed out on the river. We floated our regular winter section, Heise to Lorenzo. Fishing totally with streamers we managed to land 48 fish. The action was a bit slower than the last trip we took, but we still caught a good number of nice fish. No monsters this trip however. The biggest fish was 19 inches. The weather was cloudy and the air temperature was around 35 all day. This made for near perfect conditions. We had no ice in our guides and stayed very comfortable all day. The best patterns were olive and chartreuse streamers for the most part, but late in the day we switched to a white fish pattern and landed a number of nice fish as soon as we changed flies. We even landed one brown on this pattern that had a real white fish hanging out of his mouth. The weather looks good for the next few days, so get out on the river. Next week it looks like temps will dip down below freezing again so get up and go now.
Here is the video I have promised. What a great day, and in the middle of the winter. The South Fork is an incredible river. As you can see from the videos there has not been one day that we have fished it this fall and winter that has not produced great numbers and size of fish. We have not fished one day on the South Fork during that time that has not been documented on film. I can’t wait to get back over there.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 |
Permited by Caribou & Targhee National Forest. Teton Valley Lodge is an equal opportunity provider.
