Steamer Fishing 101

April 4 2008 marked the first day we landed over 100 fish in a day on the South Fork this year. Randy and Brian Berry Fished the section we refer to as the Lower Lower, from Heise to Lorenzo. The day was mostly cloudy and windy. The temperature was great, we never wore our gloves and there was no ice on our rods the entire day. There were three other boats on the water that day, but they floated out of sight as quickly as they appeared. The river was ours for the most part and we took advantage of it.

Switching out rowing after every two fish we racked up our fish counts. When we reached 80 fish we ventured down a misleading side channel that only produced one fish. The detour lasted for almost 45 minuets on an already fleeting day, and I thought our chances of breaking the century marks was lost.

Luckily as soon as we returned to the main river the fish returned to our flies. Immediately upon reaching 100 fish Randy insisted that we catch one more fish so that it would sound more believable. It was getting quite late and we had fished all day, but as I was in the fishing position I reluctantly agreed and landed number 101.

None of the fish were of great size. Most were between 14 and 18 inches with a few below 14 but none were larger than 18 inches in length. It was a great day, and only the first of many 100 fish days to be had at Teton Valley Lodge during the 2008 season. Join us and have one for yourself.

Fly fishing the South Fork - November 23 2007

Fishing the day after Thanksgiving has been our tradition for nearly 20 years. This year we decided to float from Conant to our private access. This float, as many know, takes you throught the upper canyon sections of the South Fork. Displaying many of the more scenic views on the river, this also has the highest cutthroat populations on the river.

Temperatures were in the teens for most of the day despite the bright sun. Shade began to hit most of the river around 2 pm due to the canyon walls. Fishing prior was decidedly better in the shade.

Fishing streamers is our preffered method for winter fishing. This technique is more enjoyable and many times more effective than nymphing. Even rising trout can be taken on streamers in the winter months.

We did see many fish rising to midges despite the cold temps. We continued to throw streamers to these fish. Nearly every feeder took the streamer.

Fishing was decent on the day. We ended up with nearly 35 fish for one fisherman for the day.

Idaho Fish and Game Update

The following is an excerpt from Jim Fredericks Regional Fishery Manager, Upper Snake Region dated November 21 2007 concerning fish populations on the South Fork of the Snake river:

"I wanted to get an update out for folks on the population estimates in the South Fork based on our October electrofishing efforts. By and large, it was good news. We saw an overall increase in the cutthroat population and a big jump in our yearling estimate. Brown trout and rainbow trout were also up from last year. Combined, we're looking at some of the highest overall trout densities we've ever seen (about 4,500 fish/mile)."

This figure of yearling abundance shows good yearling survival of all species in the past two years.










And this is age-1 and older densities












This confirms what we have noticed the past few years on the South Fork. We have seen a large jump in the number of juvenile trout, especially on the lower sections of the river.

Check out the link to our site that details info for each species:
http://tetonvalleylodge.com/newfiles/fly-fishing-trout.htm