Henry's Fork Report - May 22, 2025
Henry’s Fork Streamflows
Island Park Dam: 649 cfs
Ashton Dam: 1690 cfs
St. Anthony: 2750 cfs
Fall River: 1690 cfs
It’s impossible to produce the first fishing report of the season and NOT reflect on the past 12 months to try and come up with a summarizing statement of what’s to come based on what has already come to pass. After some time of such reflection I am simply left with the optimism and excitement for the 6 weeks ahead of us. These next 6 weeks have some of the best fishing of the year and have so many layers of opportunity that I find myself thinking ahead, more about the parade of hatches that has now begun and what lies around the next few corners. Some truly great trout fishing is to come and it is with excitement that I pack away my tarpon rods and reels for next year and prepare my trout gear. Water conditions are good overall throughout the river system, salmonflies are hatching and on the move, and the weather forecast looks to be favorable to keep this goodness in play for the coming weekend and week. Memorial Day weekend is the first busy weekend of the year, expect some crowds and remember that good etiquette not only a must but is best taught through exemplary behavior, give each other as much room as possible and be respectful of your fellow anglers.
Box Canyon
The Box Canyon holds the promise of consistency; great trout fishing for great trout. Usually indicator nymphing rules the roost here but with salmonflies on the horizon, some great dry fly fishing will be found this week. Flows are low enough to provide good dry fly fishing mid-river and high enough to give bank feeders the comfort they need to tuck away and wait for drifting stoneflies. Be prepared with some high floating salmonfly patterns as well as a solid selection of nymphs. Dry fly, dry/dropper, indicator nymphing, and streamer fishing all have a place here in the week to come. Our favorite dry flies are Lawson’s HF Salmonfly, Flutter Bug, Razorbacks, and Chubby Chernobyls #4-6. Nymph selection can vary but should include: rubberlegs stonefly nymphs #6-8, 101 Stones #6-10, Tactical R/L PTs #14-18, Zebra Midges in red and black #14-18, HP Caddis Pupa #14-16, and any other small baetis nymphs you might have in #16-18. Perdigons will be useful as well, many will work but we especially like: Olive Hot Spot, Bullet Quill, Spanish Bullet, and red Jig Napoleons #14-18.
Railroad Ranch
Closed until June 15th.
Canyon Country
This is the time that the remote sections of the Henry’s Fork see the most activity in terms of fishing pressure and hatches. These sections are 100% stonefly habitat and the salmonfly hatch can be quite impressive here. Dries and Dry/dropper rigs are the favorites here, a rubberlegs dropped off a Chubby Chernobyl is pretty hard to beat. Downsize to your favorite fast-sinking bead head nymph if they’re not eating the rubberlegs, or cut off the dropper altogether if they’re eating the dry fly, it will present better without a nymph hanging below, anyway! These sections have steep canyon walls and weather can appear in an instant, keep an eye on the forecast and bring layers and rain gear. Inflatable rafts are the choice watercraft in these sections, skillful oarsmanship a must.
Warm River to Ashton
This piece of water always surprises us with some very quality trout this time of year, salmonflies are always a bit spotty but provide opportunity throughout the reach. This is a great time of year to commit to the dry fly and hunt a big trout, but also to have the option to run indicators and find well rested trout in the deeper runs and riffles. While the action isn’t as consistent as it will be later in the summer, this is a great time of year to find quality trout in this reach. Fly selections should reflect those recommended for the Box Canyon.
Lower River
With some salmonflies around now and one wave already passed and expired, it’s hard to say what the coming week holds. I expect to see the big bugs around through the weekend, but these will be the first sections to experience the waning of the hatch. These trout move into position near the banks to feed on salmonflies when they’re around, but will be quick to retreat to their winter water refuges when the salmonflies are gone. Keep an eye on the Fall River graph for fishing opportunities downstream of Chester Dam, days of consistent warm weather will result in higher incoming flows from Fall River which will muddy the water a bit. Be prepared with a selection of big dry flies imitating both fluttering salmonfly adults and downwing patterns. It’s also a great idea to have some golden stone dries on hand as well as Caddis #14-16, Baetis #18, small stoneflies #10-14, and even a March Brown imitation or two in the event of cloudy weather. Nymphs should include: rubberlegs, 101 Stones, BSA Jig Rubberlegs #6-8; R/L Tactical PTs, HP Caddis Pupa, Hare/Copper, Soft Hackle PTs and red Zebra Midges #14-16. Perdigons are always useful as well, we like the red Jig Napoleons, Olive Hot Spots and Bullet Quills in #14-18.
Have fun, enjoy, and good luck!
