Henrys Fork Idaho Fly Fishing

The Henry's Fork was named the favorite river by members of Trout Unlimited for good reason. With nearly 100 miles of compelling and remarkably varied water, an angler can spend days on end without fishing the same stretch and constantly experiencing different angling situations that require diverse problem solving methodology to be successful.

The Box Canyon is three miles of swift boulder strewn pocket water. This beautiful stretch of water is rich in stonefly and mayfly nymphs, caddis pupa, and sculpin. It is home to notably fat and powerful Rainbow Trout. The nymphing angler often experiences days catching great numbers of fish of all size classes. Those looking to target large fish with streamers will enjoy a float down the canyon. At certain times of the year anglers are treated to dry fly action in "The Box" as Salmonfly, Golden Stone, Caddis and Grass Hopper imitations invoke explosive strikes from fish. Depending on water levels, wading in the Canyon can be treacherous and floating is usually the best manner of fishing this section effectively. Large Rainbow trout over eight pounds are a distinct possibility when fishing "The Box". Additionally, the Riverside to Hatchery Ford stretch and the Cardiac Canyon fish similarly. There are days you can float these stretches and not see another angler.

The Harriman Ranch is as captivating and technical a stretch of water as you will find anywhere in the world. The river slows down to a sexy crawl as it enters The Ranch. Many a well-traveled fisherman has settled down here to spend the vast majority of his remaining angling days stalking the large, wary rainbows with which this section of river has become synonymous. Nearly all of this area is very easily waded and its openness affords unobstructed casting. The slow water stretches of the Henry's Fork are so rich in quantity and diversity of aquatic insect life that the trout need not be opportunistic. Instead resident Rainbows have the luxury of much more food passing by them than they could possibly ingest. A fish that eats an infinitesimal percentage of the natural insects it sees is a very difficult one to coax to an artificial offering. To complicate matters, several different insect hatches often occur simultaneously. Individual fish, in turn, key in on specific life stages of specific species of insects. Proper fly selection, based on careful observation, is critical. Approaching this stretch with reverence, a degree of humility, and tempered expectations can result in priceless memories. Enjoy the the pristine surroundings, test your skills, and savor your victories. You will be glad that you did.

The Lower River, the stretch of the Henry's Fork downstream of the Warm River to the the confluence with the South Fork, offers great contrast to the technical waters of the Ranch with its more forgiving, action-packed fishing. The Warm River to Ashton float offers some of the region's best scenery in addition to its plentiful Rainbow and Brown Trout. Over the course of the season you will find trout rising to Salmonflies, Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, Caddis, Pale Morning Duns, Hoppers, and Blue Winged Olives. Additionally, attractor dries, nymphs, and streamers account for many of the trout caught on this section The tailwater stretch below the Ashton Dam to the Chester Dam is a flourishing fishery. The water is varied with riffles, runs, pools, and islands adding character as it flows through valley farm land. It fishes best in the early and late seasons. June and July are marked by wonderful surface activity as trout feed freely on Salmonflies, Golden Stones, Green Drakes, Grey Drakes, Flavs, PMDs, and Caddis. The dry fly fishing picks up again in the late summer as fish hammer hoppers, and continues through Fall with good hatches of BWOs and Midges. This is a healthy fishery that holds incredibly strong trout of all sizes.

The Henry's Fork of the Snake is unparalleled among Western trout fisheries in diversity of water types and angling opportunities. From forgiving to supremely technical, this celebrated river offers fly fisherman of all skill levels exciting fishing, as well as the chance to catch the wild trout of a lifetime.