High Country Flies

Yellowstone Fishing Update

Bruce Smithhammer — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:23:50 +0000

Flows:

N/A

Flies:

N/A

Comments:

Just an update to remind folks that fishing in Yellowstone National Park opens on Memorial Day (Monday, May 28th, 2012).

I just returned from a tour through the park, and with the current water/snowpack situation, I think we’re going to have excellent fishing conditions this year, right out the gate for the opener. As soon as we have more detailed info about hatches, etc. in YNP, we’ll be sure to post a report here.

Yellowstone NP Fishing licenses have increased slightly for 2012:

3-Day YNP Fishing License -$18
7-Day YNP Fishing License – $25
Seasonal YNP License – $4o

Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to purchase a Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit to fish anywhere within the YNP park boundary.

Anglers 15 and younger have two options:

1) Children 15 and younger may fish without a permit if they are fishing under the direct supervision of an adult who has a valid park fishing permit, or

2) Children 15 and younger may obtain a free permit that must be signed by a responsible adult; with this permit, a child can fish without direct adult supervision.

Green River Fishing Report: 4/26/12

Bruce Smithhammer — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:41:55 +0000

Flows:

At Warren Bridge: 959 cfs.

Below Fontanelle: 984 cfs.

Flies:

N/A

Comments:

Just a quick update on the Green River to let our readers know that it has blown out, increasing from 350 cfs. five days ago to 959 cfs today. Predicted cooling temperatures over the weekend could slow this down, but for now, consider the Green to be unfishable.

The good news is that with an early blowout, we could be fishing the Green earlier than normal this year, which could lead to better hatches of bugs we only sporadically see on the Green in ‘normal’ years, such as salmonflies.

For the reasons listed above, we anticipate excellent early season fishing on the upper Green this year. When we have more information on how it’s shaping up, we’ll be sure to post it here.

In the meantime, please call the shop if you would like to book a guided trip on the upper Green for early summer while we still have availability: (307) 733-7210. You can also book directly online by going to: www.highcountryflies.com

- Smithhammer

Snake River Fishing Report 4/19/12

Bruce Smithhammer — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:15:09 +0000

Flows:

Below Jackson Dam: 505 cfs

At Moose: 1,540 cfs

South of Jackson: 2,190 cfs

At Alpine: 3.470 cfs

Flies:

Dries: Sanchez’ Mystery Meat Skwala (#10), Parachute Olive (#18), Parachute Adams (#18), Parawulff BWO, Quigley’s Midge Stacker (#20),

Nymphs: Torin’s Soft Hackle (#16), Bead Head Two Bit Hooker (#16), Bead Head Fox Baetis BWO (#16),

Streamers: Tan Conhead Kiwi Muddler (#4), Trina’s Rubber Bugger (#4), Tan Polar Leech, Beldar Rubber Leg (#8)

Comments:

Just a quick fishing report update to let you know that our first “big bug” of the year is here – Skwala stoneflies are poppin on the Snake! If you would like to learn more about Skwalas, please check out this link on our site:

http://highcountryflies.com/skwala-stonefly/

The cool, wet weather the last few days means that we’ve been seeing Blue Wing Olive mayflies along the river as well. And when fish aren’t taking either of those insects, the midges continue to be prolific.

This is prime spring fishing on the Snake right now. Warmer weather is predicted over the weekend, temps expected to reach the 70′s by Monday. This will accelerate our snowmelt, and will likely mean that the tributaries of the Snake will start to rise and go off color. Which means I would hit the river asap!

Please call us to book a trip, or with any other questions you may have: (307) 733 7210.

- Smithhammer

Skwala Stonefly

Bruce Smithhammer — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:31:29 +0000

The Skwala (Stonefly: Perlodidae) hatch is our first major hatch of importance in the West. Just as winter is finished shaking its mighty fist and March is out like a lamb (an exciting factor for those of us in Northwestern Wyoming that haven’t seen an actual spring in a few years…), the April flowers and Skwalas begin to appear. Often mistaken for golden stones, they can vary in color from yellow to black to olive with a darker brown wing. The males are easily identified because they are brachypterous (shortened wings; looks like their wings have been cut in half on their backs). The females are often of importance because they return to water to oviposit their round, black egg clusters (that dangle from and are wider than their abdomen before release) on the surface of the water. Afterwards, they can float long distances in the water before they are swallowed up by a hungry trout. Skwalas typically hatch during the warmest part of the day, around lunchtime or early afternoon. They love heavily oxygenated water with cobblestone bottoms, which make our local fisheries ideal.

Alla' the Skwala you need - Scott Sanchez' "Mystery Meat Skwala" in Size 10. Available at High Country Flies.

Fishing the Skwala hatch can be some of the most productive fishing of the year, especially with the pre-runoff conditions that we are seeing right now. Fish are hungry from a long winter, which may play to your benefit if you are feeling a little rusty from the winter yourself on that first cast. Dragging a dry Skwala pattern can look like a struggling bug to those famished fishies. Come by the shop and we would be happy to set you up with some Skwala patterns….any day now!

- High Country Flies’ Resident Bug Nerd, Maggie Jordan

Snake River Report – 4/5/12

Bruce Smithhammer — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:55:02 +0000

Flows:

Below Jackson Dam: 486 cfs.

At Moose: 1,480 cfs.

South of Jackson: 2,120 cfs.

At Alpine: 3, 420 cfs.

Flies:

Dries: Quigley’s Stacker Midge (#20), Smoke Jumper Midge (#20), Red Top Emerger Midge (#18), Parawulff BWO (#16-18), CDC Sparke Olive (#16-18)

Nymphs: Red-Headed Stepchild (#16), Lightning Bug (#18), Red Brassie (#18-20), Ostrich Midge (#18), Grn/Brn Rubberlegs (#10), Olive Two-Bit Hooker (#16-18)

Streamers: Bread N’ Butter Bugger, Blk & Wht Beldar Bugger (#8), White Bugger Muddler (#8), Black Zoo Cougar (#2)

Comments:

The Snake is running crystal clear right now, and the early season dry fly action has been good to excellent. Flows are holding steady, and warmer than normal temperatures for this time of year are really getting the fishing action stoked up.

Midge hatches, in moderate to slower water, are continuing to provide great action on the surface. When midges are being found in abundance, “cluster patterns” (such as Griffith’s Gnat or Quigley’s Stacker Midge) are working very well. Where the midges numbers are more sporadic, try sticking to individual patterns, such as the Smoke Jumper or Red Top Emerger.

Some Skwala stoneflies are being sporadically reported, but it still seems to be pretty hit or miss. However, Skwala nymph imitations are definitely picking up fish sub-surface.

On overcast days, Blue Wing Olives are making an appearance, when it isn’t too windy. If the BWO’s come off in good numbers, fish are turning off of midges entirely and locking in on the these tasty little mayflies, so the angler would be wise to do the same.

Give us a call if you have any questions – (307) 733 7210

- Smithhammer

A nice Snake River Fine-Spotted Cuttie that fell for a Quigley's Stacker Midge

Trip Report – 3/29/12

Bruce Smithhammer — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:53:52 +0000

Fishing trip report 3/29/12

Section: Wilson- South Park (Snake River)

Bugs: Midges and a few BWO’s

Weather: Cloudy, moderate snowfall, and winds 10-15

Had a fun day on the water with Maggie Jordan and her friend Eric Gardinio. We only saw a few fish rise all day but the ones that were rising were attacking bugs. With the lack of action up top we spent the day fishing nymphs and streamers. The streamer bite was the most productive and had plenty of chasers throughout the day. Both black and olive streamers with some weight seemed to be the ticket.

Nymping produced a few fish including a Utah Sucker fish which was a treat. Thanks Eric (a fisheries biologist) for being able to identify the type of sucker since they are not to commonly caught on fly rods in the area.

Eric getting 'intimate' with a native sucker.

With a little more sun and some warmer weather, the dry fly fishing should be extremely productive after seeing the amount of bugs on the water. And don’t be surprised if you start seeing some SKWALAS any day now.

- Hunter Huemann

7 Tips for a Getting the Most Out of Your Guided Fishing Day

Bruce Smithhammer — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:12:36 +0000

1. Let Your Guide Know Your Goals

Our guides are happy to help you improve your technique, and angling knowledge, in whatever capacity you’re looking for. Whether it’s learning some new knots, getting tips on fly selection, learning how to double-haul, or just simply having a fun, relaxing time on the river, be upfront about what you want to get out of the day. It’s always better to know what someone’s expectations are at the beginning of the day, than to find out at the end. Even better – let us know your goals when you’re booking the trip, and we’ll do our best to pair you up with the most appropriate guide for your goals.

2. Numbers Are Great, But So is Learning and Improving.

HCF client Bruce W. with a nice brown that took a Power Ant on the Green River

Of course, everyone loves to catch lots of fish, but in our opinion, a guided trip is more than just a ‘fish count’ – we want you to finish the day feeling that you have learned and improved, regardless of the skill level you started the day with. Whether you’re trying fly fishing for the first time or are an experienced globe-trotting angler, teaching and helping you improve is a big part of why we guide.

3. Listen to Your Guide

You’ve hired a guide because they know the river, and because they know how to fish it, right? A guide/client relationship means teamwork – the guide has a role to play, but so do you. Fly fishing is inherently a technique-intensive pursuit, and fish will rarely jump up and inhale your fly if it’s presented poorly. Much of what your guide is coaching you to do really is essential if you want to catch fish! Furthermore, your guide really wants you to catch fish! Do what he/she says, and if it doesn’t make sense, ask them to explain it more clearly or demonstrate. It will make all the difference.

4. Make Sure You are Having Fun.

This may seem like an obvious one, but sometimes when your cast isn’t coming together, or the wind is blowing your fly 10 feet from where you wanted it to land, or the fish simply aren’t biting, it’s easy to get frustrated. Remember where you are, and remember to enjoy it and laugh. Fishing, by it’s very nature, is an activity in which you can’t control every outcome, no matter how good you or your guide is. But you can control whether you’re having fun or not. Take a moment to look up and appreciate your spectacular surroundings, and remember that with the right attitude, there are “no bad days spent fishing.”

5. Prepare for the Elements

We live and fish at an altitude that is well over a mile high (6200′). The sun can be extremely intense, and you’ll receive a double-dose of it when you are on the water. You may come from a warm climate, but trust us - up here, with far less ozone to protect you, the sun is not to be taken lightly. A good hat, liberal amounts of sunscreen, good sunglasses and being well-hydrated will go a long way toward making your day more enjoyable, and keeping you from looking (and feeling) like a boiled ham halfway through the day.

Likewise, weather can change dramatically in a matter of minutes in the Rockies. I can snow in July, and has. Be sure to bring an extra layer and a rain jacket if you have them. If you anticipate and are prepared, these changes in weather don’t have to be a big deal, and you can continue enjoying what you came here for.

6. If Possible, Turn Your Phone Off

You’ve chosen to go fishing for the day, on a beautiful river, in an amazing place! Unless you truly have a good reason to be connected 24/7, do yourself a favor – take advantage of the increasingly rare luxury of being able to disconnect for just a little while and be where you are!

Jillian's nice cutthroat! (w/HCF guide Ryan Hall)

7. Bring a Young Person With You

There are few things better than seeing a young person catch their first fish on a fly. It’s a memory they will likely keep forever. Play an active role in introducing the next generation to the importance of clean rivers, healthy fisheries and the self-confidence that comes from acquiring solid outdoor skills.

- High Country Flies

Jackson Hole Fishing Report – 3/28/12

Bruce Smithhammer — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:34:32 +0000

Flows:

Snake River:

Below Jackson Dam: 515 cfs.

At Moose: 1,290 cfs.

Below Flat Creek: 2,010 cfs.

At Alpine: 2,690 cfs.

Flies:

Dries: Garcia’s Rojo Midge (#20), Quigley’s Cripple Midge (#20), Black Caddis(#16-18), Mystery Meat Skwala (#10), Gould’s Wiggle Skwala (#10)

Nymphs: Brown/Olive Girdle Bug (#10), Christmas Brassie (#18-20) Olive Midgeling (#18-20)

Streamers: Bread N’ Butter Bugger (#8), Olive Mohair Leech (#6-8), Super Bugger (#6)

Comments:

Warmer than normal conditions for this time of year are prevailing, and snow is quickly disappearing from the valley floor. This has meant good news for our springtime fishing in Jackson Hole. Midges and “winter” stoneflies (also referrred to as “little black stoneflies”) continue to be the name of the game for both dry fly and nymphing action, and the best fishing is still being found mid-day.

We are eagerly awaiting the emergence of our first “big bug” of the year – the Skwala stonefly. Time of year and temperature seem to be aligning perfectly for these tasty meals to start popping off any day now. Until we start to see the adults, I think you could safely assume that the Skwala nymphs are already getting active and beginning to stage in shallower water near shore. The olive and brown Girdle Bug in a size 10 does a good job of imitating this subsurface insect, and when we start to see the adults, I would recommend switching to the Skwala dry patterns mentioned in this report.

Streamer action has also been good, with the small, creme-colored ‘Bread N’ Butter Bugger’ being a top producer. Olive-colored patterns have also been working well. Slow strips, and/or stack mends followed by a tight line swing, are the pproven techniques to try here.

The positive big-picture news is that we are on a great track with our snowpack/precip situation (near 100% at this time), and there is plenty of water in Jackson Lake at this point as well. Many folks are taking advantage of current conditions to ski a few runs in the morning and then hit the river for the mid-day hatches when it warms up. Yes, life is rough in the Hole…

Please call the shop if we can help you in any way – (307 733 7210)

See you on the water,

- Bruce Smithhammer

Jackson Hole Fishing Report – 3/16/12

Bruce Smithhammer — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:45:17 +0000

Flows:

Snake River below Jackson Dam: 510 cfs.

At Moose: 1,160 cfs.

Below the Confluence with Flat Creek: 1,820 cfs.

At Alpine: 2,320 cfs.

Flies:

Dries: Black Caddis (#18), Hemingway Caddis (#18), Multi CDC Midge (#20), Black Midge (#18-20), Griffith’s Gnat (#18-20)

Nymphs: Christmas Brassie (#20), Garcia’s Rojo Midge (#20), Ray’s Firebead (#16-18), Sawyer Red Pheasant Tail (#16-18), Silver Copper John (#16)

Streamers: Mini Sculpin (#6), Sun River Minnow (#6), Garrett’s Bellydancer (#10), Bread ‘N Butter Bugger (#6-8)

Comments:

Temps in the upper-40′s and wet, overcast skies are starting to get the fish active on the Snake. Finding good fishing is still a matter of picking the right day and time (warmest time of the day, and overcast skies are best), but things are turning on. Fish are starting to be found not just in the deep slow pools, but in moderately moving water staging areas as well. For now, the action is mostly going to be midge patterns and little black stoneflies. However, if temperatures hold, we may start seeing Blue Wing Olives and Skwala stoneflies in a few weeks. Streamers are also working. I would recommend fishing them slowly, or swinging them dead-drift on a tight line to be able to feel strikes.

Keep in mind that boat ramps are not plowed yet, and that the snow is still going to be pretty deep in a lot of places. Many folks are taking a pair of snowshoes with them to get to and from the river.

A little update on our snowpack/water situation:

While much of the West has been experiencing significantly lower than normal amounts of precipitation this winter, we have been quite lucky in western Wyoming, with our winter precip hovering around 90% of normal, at this time. This, combined with healthy reservoir levels (as a lingering result of last year’s BIG snowfall), mean that we are on track for another year of good water levels in our rivers.

Stay tuned – as the spring fishing continues to improve, we’ll keep you updated! Please call the shop if you have any questions about where to go, what to use, or to book a trip.

- Bruce Smithhammer

Snake River – 10.16.2011

Bruce Smithhammer — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:18:24 +0000

Flows:

591 cfs. @ Jackson Dam

1,520 cfs. @ Moose

2,190 cfs. @ confluence w/Flat Creek

2,770 @ Alpine

Flies:

Dries: BWO Parachute (#16-18), Butthead Mahogany Dun (#16), Sparkle Parachute BWO (#16-18), Drake Snake (#14), Mr. Rapidan (#14-16), Yellow Humpy (#16)

Nymphs: Torin’s Tungsten Bead Soft Hackle (#14), Rainbow Warrior (#14-16), Pheasant Tail (#14-18)

Streamers: Kyle’s Super Yummy (#6), Wigglin’ Bugger (#4), Hot Ass Sculpin (#6-8), Chartreuse Zonker

Comments:

The Bureau of Rec has completed its drawdown of the flow out of Jackson Dam, and the river is running low and clear, which means lots of wading access and good fishing. Continued mild weather has also helped, and the best fishing on the Snake and area tributaries is typically being found late morning through mid-afternoon.

Fishing on the lakes in Grand Teton National Park is improving again as cooler water temps move fish back up into shallower water. Streamers are the way to go, targeting drop-offs. Get out and enjoy it while it’s still open!

We are offering reduced rates on our 1/2 day and full day guided trips for the rest of the season. Please give us a call to book a fall float on the Snake River – (307) 733 – 7210.