Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Henry's Fork - Island Park - Idaho

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midge Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
Winter Stoneflies Late Afternoon 18-22 Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midge Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
Winter Stoneflies Late Afternoon 16-20 Black Stonefly Nymph
March Baetis Morning 14-22 Blue Winged Olive
Skwala Stonefly Afternoon 6-14 Stimulator, Chernobyl Ant
April Midge Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
Baetis Morning 18-22 Blue Winged Olive, Parachute Adams
March Browns Afternoon 16-20 March Brown Spider, March Brown Emerger
May Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis Emerger
March Browns Afternoon 14-18 March Brown Spider, March Brown Emerger
Green Drakes Late Afternoon 10-12 Green Drake Parachute, Green Drake Cripple
Salmonfly All Day 4-6 Chubby Chernobyl, Rubberleg Stone
June Green Drakes Late Afternoon 10-14 Green Drake Parachute, Green Drake Cripple
Pale Morning Duns Afternoon 16-20 PMD Sparkle Dun, Rusty Spinner
July Pale Morning Duns Afternoon 16-20 PMD Sparkle Dun, Rusty Spinner
Yellow Sally Afternoon 14-18 Yellow Humpy, Yellow Sally Stonefly Dry
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis Emerger
August Pale Morning Duns Morning 16-20 PMD Sparkle Dun, Rusty Spinner
Tricos Morning 20-24 Trico Spinner, Trico Parachute
Caddis Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, CDC Caddis Emerger
September Pale Morning Duns Morning 16-20 PMD Sparkle Dun, Rusty Spinner
Tricos Morning 20-24 Trico Spinner, Trico Parachute
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-22 Blue Winged Olive, Parachute Adams
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 18-22 Blue Winged Olive, Parachute Adams
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
November Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 20-24 Blue Winged Olive, Parachute Adams
Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
December Midge Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
Winter Stoneflies Late Afternoon 16-20 Black Stonefly Nymph

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

Fly fishing enthusiasts in Henry’s Fork – Island Park can revel in numerous prime fishing spots. This area is known for its exceptional fishing amid breathtaking sceneries in Idaho’s Rocky Mountains region.

Best Fly Fishing Spots:

  • Box Canyon: This is a top spot famous for offering excellent rainbow trout fishing in its fast-moving waters. It provides a fun and challenging experience to anglers.
  • Railroad Ranch: Situated between Big Springs and Riverside Campground, its slow-moving waters are rich in brown and rainbow trout.
  • Island Park Reservoir: It offers prolific fly fishing, even during winter. Apart from trout, you may have the chance to catch kokanee salmon.
  • Buffalo River: Feeding into the Henry’s Fork, it is ideal for fly fishing for brook and cutthroat trout.

Each spot offering its own unique fly fishing experience, variety, and rewards.

Best Access Points

Known for its abundant trout, the Henry’s Fork – Island Park has several top-rated fly-fishing points you shouldn’t miss:

  • Riverside Campground: The campground provides easy-to-reach fishing points and calm waters.
  • Harriman State Park: Noted for its large ranch resident trout, the park offers several river accesses, a favorite among fly fishers.
  • Box Canyon: This deep canyon stretch houses a large population of rainbow trout. Boating access is available.

If you’re open for an adventure, you can explore other access points:

  1. Wood Road #16 Bridge: This is a famous wading section with a higher degree of difficulty, but promises the chance of catching larger fish.
  2. Last Chance: This section of the river is a challenging wade fishing area with rewarding opportunities, including a variety of hatches to entice trout.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Known for their aggressive fighting nature and exquisite beauty, the brown trout is a prized catch for fly fishermen in Henry’s Fork.
  • Rainbow Trout: With their vibrant colorings and high leap, the rainbow trout is a favorite amongst fly fishermen.
  • Mountain Whitefish: Although not as colorful as trout, the mountain whitefish is a common catch in the Henry’s Fork.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Idaho’s designated state fish, the Cutthroat Trout, can also be found in Henry’s Fork, especially in the waters around Island Park.
  • Brook Trout: These smaller fish provide an enjoyable challenge to fly fishermen due to their elusive nature.
  • Bull Trout: While less common in Henry’s Fork, the Bull Trout can still be seen in certain parts of the river, and catching one is considered a rare achievement.
  • Pacific Salmon: Fly fishermen targeting these fish can have good success during their migratory runs.
  • Sockeye Salmon: Known for their endurance and fight, sockeye salmon provide a unique adventure for fly fishermen.

About The River

The Henry’s Fork is one of Idaho’s most stunning natural locations. Notably celebrated for its Island Park, this section of the Snake River has a rich history that adds to its charm.

The area was initially adopted as a summer grazing area by pioneers, who named it Henry’s Lake after Andrew Henry, a fur trapper. However, it was the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century which solidified Island Park’s significance.

Then, due to a loophole in the law stipulating that no townsite could be larger than a square mile, Island Park took its iconic elongated shape by stretching some 33 miles long but less than a mile wide.

In modern times, Henry’s Fork – Island Park has become a beloved destination for fishing, camping, and more, with its

  • rich wildlife,
  • lush vegetation,
  • and stunning waterways.

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