Henry's Fork Fishing Report - July 16, 2026

Henry’s Fork Streamflows

Island Park Dam:  1590 cfs

Ashton Dam:  2200 cfs

St. Anthony:  1220 cfs

Fall River:  271 cfs

The Henry’s Fork continues to fare better than expected in terms of water quality.  Flows are relatively high, but turbidity has been staying within a fishable range, keeping sections like the Box Canyon and the Ranch fishable further into the season than originally anticipated.  With higher flows comes a reduction in rising trout, but conditions for the river’s inhabitants are excellent.  Above average air temperatures remain in place, but we are seeing clouds and precipitation in the forecast, both of these will help to keep water temperatures cooler, at least in the upper river.  Remember to keep an eye on water quality conditions on the Henry’s Fork Foundation’s website.

Box Canyon

With current conditions, the Box Canyon remains a great place to spend an entire day’s fishing or as several hour float.  Indicator nymphing, without a doubt, remains the most productive method of catching fish in here, but flows are prime for an afternoon dry fly float or a morning/evening streamer run.  Weeds are an present, so be sure to check your nymphs frequently and keep them clean along the way.  For indicator rigs, we generally like at least 6’ of leader between your first fly and strike indicator, with B and BB split shot available for use depending on the depth of the water you’re fishing.  There are still golden stones around, which makes for dry/dropper possibility as well dry fly only (DFO) runs.  For nymphs, we’re still liking the standards:  PTs, R/L Tactical PTs, Rednecks, Olive HP Caddis Pupas, Hare/Copper #14-16; Rubberlegs , BSA Jig Rubberlegs and 101 Stones #8-12;  red and brown Zebra Midges #14-18.  Your favorite perdigons are still as valid as ever:  Spanish Bullet, Bullet Quill, PMD Frenchies, Red Jig Napoleons, Olive Hot Spots and Black Daggers will all produce results.

Railroad Ranch

The Ranch has slowed considerably in the last week, with fewer targets on the prowl, despite the fact that there has been some big fish food around.  Water quality remains in good shape and it’s worth a morning’s walk on any given day, there are still rising trout to be found, only in fewer numbers than last week.  At current flows over 1500 cfs, be on the lookout for insects that trout will be willing to rise for in high water, such as drakes, flavs,  golden stones, beetles, hoppers, and crickets.  Calm mornings will offer the greatest possibility of productive spinner falls, while windy afternoons can present terrestrial opportunities.  Areas with spring influence will have more stability with hatches, and in these areas, PMDs and caddis can be found hatching throughout the day.  For flies, we’re liking the following:  Harrop’s PMD Thorax, PMD Transitional Dun, Hackled Spinner in a Gray and Green Drake, Paraspinner in Gray and Green Drake, PMD and Flav Last Chance Cripple, PMD and Flav CDC Spinners, Heames’ Klinkhammer PMD, Barrett’s Flav Spinner, HF Caddis, a small variety of Golden Stones, Moorish Hoppers, Big Gulp Beetles and a variety of ant patterns. 

Canyon Country

With high flows these are action-packed whitewater runs and a great place to spend a hot summer’s day.  Fishing has been good in the canyons, water quality is good, there are plenty of golden stones around, and the occasional push of Mormon Crickets.  All of this is helping to keep these fish looking up, making dry/dropper rigs an excellent choice with both offerings highly edible.  Afternoon showers in the forecast make it necessary to pack layers when venturing into these canyons, the north-south orientation of this part of the river makes it impossible to see advancing weather until it is upon you.  Solid oarsmanship and an inflatable raft are a must.

Warm River to Ashton

This section continues to put smiles on anglers faces and is producing fun days of fishing consistently.  Dry/dropper and indicator nymphing rigs are the rigs of choice here, just focus on the water type that corresponds to your rig and adjust if needed.  Fly selections are about the same as that for the Box Canyon.  At this time of year, a late morning or afternoon hatch of pleasure floaters is normal, so keep an eye out on your backcast and pull over to let them by if things get congested.  High flows and an assortment of watercraft without means to maneuver can increase the chance of accidents, keeping a throw bag handy in your drift boat is a good idea.

Below Ashton Reservoir

Though there are likely small windows of opportunity to be had down here, we are leaving these lower river sections alone for the most part due to inactivity and warm water temperatures in the heat of the day. 

Get out there and have fun!