Fishing Report - June 27, 2025

Upper River: 

Box Canyon is fishing well this time of year despite the high water. Flows are currently at 1400cfs—while 900cfs is ideal for wading, staying tight to the bank keeps things safe. Streamers are very productive whether hitting the banks from a boat or fishing out in front of you. Try dead-drifting a Matuka, Barely Legal, or any sculpin pattern through the faster water—you might hook into a big fish. Nymphing is probably your best bet otherwise, as the drake hatch is waning. Patterns like the Duracell, Rubberlegs, Blowtorch, Midge, and Pheasant Tail are all producing. Caddis are still showing up in the evenings, so carry a few patterns in your box. Tying on a golden stone above a Rubberlegs or Duracell is also a great combo. 

The Ranch: 

The Ranch opened on June 15th and fished well for a time with drakes, but they’re coming to an end. Now is the time to be ready with terrestrials, spinners, Flavs, PMDs, and caddis in all stages. Long leaders, light tippets, and patience are key—take your time to find good targets. You’ll be rewarded if you’re stealthy and persistent. Be prepared to cycle through different dries as the fish can be picky. Spinners in the morning and caddis in the evening are especially productive. The water is clear and slow, so presentation matters most. Think subtle and strategic while stalking your fish. 

Riverside to Ashton: 

This stretch offers plenty of pocket water that’s ideal for nymphing, but a dry-dropper setup is a smart way to cover water. Try a Chubby Chernobyl, Henry’s Fork Foam Stone, or Burkus Bareback Rider on top, with a Pat’s Rubber Legs or fast-sinking beadhead below. This combo lets you probe deeper runs while still being ready for surface takes. The Warm River is also fishing well, with caddis bringing a few good fish to hand over the past couple of days. PMDs have been hatching periodically throughout the day, making for sporadic but fun dry fly action. 

Ashton Dam to St. Anthony: 

Flows have increased quickly in this section, rising to 2100cfs. That means high and fast water, so use caution while wading. Green drakes are finishing up and PMDs and Flavs are taking center stage. Caddis and Yellow Sallies are also out and about. Focus your efforts in the early morning when water temperatures are coolest and fish are more active. Nymphing remains productive with Duracell, Rubberlegs, Midges, and Pheasant Tails. Streamer fishing is a solid option with the off-colored water—try sculpin patterns like Matukas, Sculpzillas, Meat Whistles, and Zonkers for aggressive strikes.

Madison River: 

Dry fly fishing has been great on the Lower Madison with PMDs, caddis, yellow sallies, and drakes all active. Nymphing remains a steady option with scud patterns, bullet quills, rubberlegs, and a range of perdigons. On the Upper Madison, salmonflies are making spotty appearances throughout the day. Drop a rubberleg nymph off of a salmonfly dry to entice fish feeding below. Streamers are worth tossing if you’re looking for a bigger fish, especially during low-light hours. Whether you’re fishing dries or subsurface, you’ll find consistent action across the river. 

Teton River: 

The Teton is running clear and fishing well, with dry fly season in full swing. This is a great time to load your box with salmonflies, golden stones, caddis, and PMDs. Fish are looking up, and you can expect good action through most of the day. Streamers can also be productive, especially in deeper holes and along undercut banks. The river should continue to improve in the coming weeks as flows stabilize and water temperatures remain favorable. This is a great time to explore the Teton’s variety of water types, from slow stretches to riffles and pocket water. 

South Fork of the Snake: 

Dry fly fishing is just beginning to heat up on the South Fork. Salmonflies and caddisflies are your best bet right now. While drakes are fading, you may still spot a few stragglers. Nymphing with a variety of beadhead patterns remains productive—dropping one off a salmonfly dry is a solid strategy. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game encourages the harvest of rainbow trout on all stretches of the South Fork to protect the native cutthroat population. There is no limit on rainbows, and some fish have monetary reward tags. Bring the head to the IDFG office in Idaho Falls to check for rewards—prizes can be up to $1000.