Snake River

Warm temperatures have returned to the area with air temperatures nearing 40 degrees most of this week.  We are experiencing solid winter fishing on the Snake River on the lower reaches from Wilson Bridge down to Sheep Gulch.  Trout are primarily holding in riffle pools, riffle current margins, and in deeper troughs on side channels.  Chironomids have been very active. We are also starting to see some black winter stones on the banks.  Double nymph rigs and small streamers fished with slow retrieves are most effective types of tackle.

Effective nymphs – BH Hare’s Ear Nymphs, Anato Green May Nymphs, Biot Bugs, Booty’s Deep Stinker Nymphs, Copper Johns in red, olive, or black, Flashback Prince Nymphs, Lightening Bugs, Robins, Zebra Midges, Ice Cream Cone Midges, and Booty’s Day-2 Midge Pupa.

Effective Streamers – Light Brite Zonkers, Arum’s Lil’ Kim, Clouser Minnows, Beldar Buggers, and J.J. Specials.

South Park

Its early January but the South Fork is fishing like it is March.  We have warm air temperatures and solid fishing both above and below the surface.  Riffles pools, riffle current margins, seam tailouts, and flats are all producing.  Surface action is best on the upper reach in Swan Valley and the lower reaches below Byington with flats and riffle tailout showing the best activity.  Double nymph rigs are most effective, but double droppers on a large dry are also working (don’t expect great action on the large dry fly).

Effective nymphs – BH Hare’s Ear Nymphs, Pat’s Rubber Leg, Biot Bugs, Foxy Stone Nymphs, Hickey’s Auto Nymph, Copper Johns in red, olive, or black, Lightening Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, Zebra Midges, Ice Cream Cone Midges, Bionic Midges, and Booty’s Day-2 Midge Pupa.

Effective dry flies – Griffith’s Gnats, Renegades, Mating Midges, Krystal Wing Midges, Booty’s BWO Emerger, Parachute Extended Body BWOs, and Parachute Adams.