Fishing Report - July 4th, 2025

Upper Henry’s Fork – Box Canyon

Box Canyon continues to produce, though elevated flows around 1,550 cfs are making wading a challenge. Anglers have found success with both streamers and nymphs. Dead-drifting patterns such as the Matuka, Barely Legal, or other sculpin imitations through swift currents have yielded good results. For nymphing, proven patterns include the Duracell, Rubber legs, Blowtorch, Midge, and Pheasant Tail. Evening caddis hatches remain active—be sure to carry a few dry options to match the hatch.

The Ranch (Harriman State Park)

Fishing on the Ranch has been intermittent, but targeting actively feeding fish remains the key to success. The green drake hatch is nearing its end, with scattered emergences still occurring in the upper sections during the afternoon hours. Looking ahead, anglers should be prepared with a full progression of spinners, Flavs, PMDs, and caddis in all life stages. Precision and patience are essential—long leaders, light tippet, and a stealthy approach will significantly improve your chances. Focus your efforts on identifying rising fish and approach them with care.

Riverside to Ashton

A dry-dropper setup remains one of the most effective methods for covering water in this stretch. Surface flies like the Chubby Chernobyl, Henry’s Fork Foam Stone, or Burkus Bareback Rider paired with a trailing Duracell nymph or other heavy beadhead pattern allow anglers to probe both surface and subsurface zones efficiently. Be methodical in picking apart pocket water, particularly around boulders. Evening caddis activity continues—having a few emerger and adult patterns on hand is advisable.

Ashton Dam to St. Anthony

Flows in this section are currently high, holding at approximately 2,200 cfs, limiting dry-fly opportunities. Focus efforts during the cooler morning hours when fish are more active. Subsurface tactics are the most reliable—nymphs such as the Duracell, Rubber legs, Midge, and Pheasant Tail are all producing. The off-colored water presents a strong case for streamer fishing—try patterns like the Matuka, Sculpzilla, Meat Whistle, or Zonker to draw aggressive strikes.

Madison River (Upper Stretch)

Dry-fly fishing remains excellent on the upper Madison, with golden stones and lingering salmonflies still in play. Evening caddis hatches are adding to the action. Subsurface, bullet quills, rubber legs, and a range of perdigons continue to be productive. Streamers are also a solid option—particularly during low-light hours—for anglers targeting larger trout. Overall, the Madison is providing consistent fishing across multiple techniques.

Teton River

The Teton is running clear and stable, with dry-fly fishing hitting its seasonal peak. Now is an ideal time to carry a full assortment of salmon flies, golden stones, PMDs, and caddis. Fish are actively feeding on the surface throughout much of the day. Streamers remain effective in deeper pools and along undercut banks. Conditions are expected to improve further as flows normalize and water temperatures stay favorable. This is an excellent time to explore the Teton’s diverse water, from riffles and runs to slower meadow stretches.

South Fork of the Snake River

Dry-fly fishing is beginning to pick up, with salmon flies, green drakes, and caddisflies providing the primary surface action. Nymphing remains a consistent producer, especially when trailing a beadhead beneath a large dry. Anglers are reminded that Idaho Fish and Game encourages the harvest of rainbow trout to support native cutthroat populations. There is no bag limit on rainbows, and some are marked with reward tags worth up to $1,000. Heads can be submitted at the IDFG office in Idaho Falls for prize verification.