Small Streams
SMALL STREAMS
ReportA new record catch-and-release brown trout has been caught in the Bear River. Blackfoot, Teton, and Warm Rivers are your best bets for fly fishing success during these advancing days of the fall season.
Mayflies other than BWOs and isolated tricos are what's left of those big emergences of a few months ago. Caddis, although diminishing in general, are active during late afternoons, so wet fly fishing will produce more action. The best of these include lower Warm River, where BWO and midge activity bring fish to the top — but nymphing is the best option for attracting trout.
Flow in the Blackfoot River below the Blackfoot River Reservoir is low enough to allow extensive wading. Mayfly populations are minimal throughout the Blackfoot River because of massive siltation. Best fly-fishing results are through using streamers such as rubber legs and woolly bugger patterns.
Birch Creek remains good fly fishing during warm days because of numerous springs entering.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) | #20–22 | Moderate — best on overcast or cooler stretches | Midday to early afternoon |
| Midge | #20–24 | Steady — especially lower Warm River | Midday |
| Caddis | #18–20 | Diminishing — wet fly swing most effective | Late afternoon |
| Trico | #22–24 | Isolated and sporadic | Morning |
- MIDDAY TO EARLY AFTERNOON: Prime window for BWO and midge activity on lower Warm River — nymphing is most productive, but watch for surface rises
- LATE AFTERNOON: Caddis become active across the region; swing a wet caddis pattern or CDC dry through likely runs before last light
- ALL DAY (BLACKFOOT): Low flows make the Blackfoot wadeable throughout the day — focus on streamers and rubber legs in deeper pockets and runs
