Fishing Report - July 24 2026

Upper Henrys Fork:

Flows in Box Canyon are currently 1290 CFS. 

Box Canyon has been consistently producing good numbers of fish, and with the flows beginning to drop back down wading is becoming more feasible. At these high flows, fishing a small dry is difficult in the fast water. Nymphing with a rubberlegs stonefly, mic-drop, blowtorch, or a PMD nymph would be a solid bet. Terrestrial season is here, so running this rig with a hopper dropper will bring a possibility of getting a rise. For a hopper-dropper rig, the Thunderthighs in pink or a sweetgrass hopper are solid choices because of the poly-wings which help them float with a little weight below them. Have some caddis, sizes 14-16 and PMD’s in 16 or 18 for the risers closer to Last Chance.

The Ranch is winding down, but Caddis are strong and a large hatch of Mormon Crickets are keeping things interesting. The hardcore fellas have been sharpieing larger grasshopper patterns brown, auburn, and olive to match these large crickets. The PMD hatch has been weak, but still an option. I fish the sparkle dun, or a no-hackle when I see little yellow bugs. Water quality is subpar, so check out Osborne Springs and where the Harriman fish Pond flows into the river which offers some cleaner colder water for refuge. If all else fails, try a beetle or an ant.

Lower Henrys Fork:

Flows Below Ashton Dam are currently 1770 CFS.

Water temps on the lower river are already starting to come up, and if you plan on fishing the lower river, try getting out early or waiting until the sun gets off the water. The lower Henry’s Fork is coming into good shape for fishing hoppers, and plenty of smaller Caddis and PMD’s are still on the water. Above Ashton Dam, things are simple. Try fishing a purple or royal chubby chernobyl with rubber legs and your favorite nymph beneath, think small mayfly or caddis imitations. I use the olive mic-drop to imitate smaller caddis larva, and Barr’s Beadhead as a PMD emerger. The fire-starter is a good fly also as a dropper. If it’s cloudy, fish a streamer for a big brown. I use an Inverted Hen Matuka or a Mini Dungeon on a floating line. Cast upstream of rocks and cover, dead-drift it into the structure, and then do small strips back to the boat to entice a strike. 

South Fork of the Snake: 

Flows near Irwin are currently 13100 CFS.

Flows at Lorenzo are currently 8480 CFS.

The Snake is fishing well now even though the Salmonflies and Goldens are gone. Fish small dries in the riffles for PMD’s. The PMD No-Hackle in 16 is a go-to for our guides. Also, larger stonefly imitations are still producing fish. The Mutant Stoneflies are getting started, and these nocturnal goldens are a blast. Try getting on the river early in the morning and it will be the best dry-fly bite of the day skittering water-walkers. Three flies that are always being grabbed by the guides in the morning for the South Fork are Rosa’s Pink bead hare's ear, the black bullet quill, and Pat’s rubberlegs.

Madison River: 

Flows Below Hebgen currently 1300 CFS

The Madison is under Hoot Owl Restrictions due to climbing summertime water temperatures, so check which section you are heading to and plan to be off the water by 2pm if it is required. Up closer to the Three Dollar Bridge, I would be fishing a small PMD, Caddis, or Yellow Sally for dries, and their nymph imitations as droppers. We have a good yellow sally nymph called the Tungsten Yellow Sally which most people walk past but fishes great. Swinging a streamer or dead-drifting one under an indicator underneath a large indicator is a common tactic for some of the larger trout in the river, and our shop carries a large selection of jig-style nymphs for anyone thinking about tight-line nymphing below the slide.

Teton River:

Flows on the Upper Teton near Driggs are currently 350 CFS

The Teton is fishing great in the mornings, but bring a thermometer and stop fishing once water temperatures approach 68 degrees. The upper river is seeing PMD’s, Damselflies, Callibaetis, Tricos, and even some Grey Drakes. A report from a trusted confidant suggested bringing some ants as terrestrial season kicks off. Rusty spinners will be your catch-all imitation for the mayflies. Hiking into the canyon will provide a solid option for the hardcore anglers looking to fish Grasshoppers and Golden Stonefly imitations, just watch out for Rattlesnakes and bring a pal.

Yellowstone National Park:

Grey Drakes seem to have come and gone on the Yellowstone river above the falls but I’d have a few on you just in case. Ants, PMD’s, Trusty Rusties, and small streamers would be a good option in the coming days. Drop a Duracell or a Pat’s Rubberlegs below a big chubby if the risers slow down. 

The Gallatin River has been a solid option, as the Water Temperatures are still in the 50’s in the park boundaries. Yellow Sallies, Olive Caddis, PMD’s and Hoppers are the go-to options. I had a great day dropping a pheasant-tail nymph and drifting it underneath cut banks for Westlope Cutthroats and Browns. The Rainbows in the Riffles were happy to come up and eat small dries all day. 

The Madison, Firehole, and the Gibbon River (downstream from Norris Geyser Basin) are closed for hoot owl restrictions. Hit the water early and consider moving on to cooler waters for the time being.

Lamar River has been in shape when the rains settle down, with Drakes being the main focus of anglers. PMD’s and caddis are also working well, and Slough creek is a personal favorite of mine this time of year. I'll usually fish a Hopper like a Pink Mongo Hopper or an Ant if the fish aren’t consistently rising to mayflies or Caddis.  

Lakes:

Henry's Lake-

Henry’s lake is fishable, but you have to know where the cold water springs are on the lake, and have a watercraft to get to them. Balanced leeches, chronomids, or a cocktail nymph are your best bet. Talk to some locals and do some research otherwise this fishery is best earlier or later in the season.

Hebgen-

The Gulpers are active on the lake, so have Callibaetis and Trico imitations ready to catch a few on the surface. Hard to beat an upright organza Callibaetis, or dropping a cocktail nymph 12-18 inches under your dry fly of choice. Plan your day accordingly, the wind usually picks up around noon and try to keep fish in the water and release them quickly. The surface temperatures of Hebgen have been in the mid 70’s in the last week.