News and Fishing Reports

The end of one of the driest summers in memory found IP Reservoir at a perilously low level. Prospects for adequate winter flow on the ‘Fork looked grim until nature responded in early October. A series of heavy storms began to pile snow into the high country at a mid winter rate, and the flow from the dam was increased to nearly 200CFS by the end of December. February mirrored conditions of a month earlier with heavy snow and cold temperatures that increased and maintained the snow pack at well above average level. Although comparatively moderate, the flow did increase during that period as well. Entering April, the snow pack continues to build, and the reservoir stands at 75% of capacity without benefit of spring run off which is yet to come.

There is a downside to a seven month winter but all inconvenience is temporary. The Henry’s Fork has dodged a monumental bullet that could have devastated the fishery were the winter to have been made more friendly to human comfort. Water levels through 2008 are certain to be far better than predicted at the end of last season. Expectations for excellent fishing are not ill founded as the river begins to stir and the trout become active. Heavy rainbow spawning activity gives evidence to a healthy population both now and into the future.

Rene Harrop