Upper Henry’s Fork

The primary source of the Henry’s Fork is Big Springs, which consistently gushes forth an astounding 120 million gallons of pristine water each day. This impressive volume translates to a steady flow exceeding 100 cubic feet per second (cfs), maintaining a remarkably constant temperature of 52° Fahrenheit year-round. The one and a half mile stretch from Big Springs to the confluence of the Henry’s Lake Outlet is not open to fishing.  

Below the confluence and down to the Highway 20 bridge near Mack's Inn, the river provides opportunities for catching stocked rainbow trout as well as larger wild rainbow and brook trout. This section is characterized by slower-moving water until it reaches the Coffee Pot Rapids, about a mile downstream from the Upper Coffee Pot Campground, a popular access point. The rapids themselves are more challenging to wade, with deep pools and faster currents, making nymphing and streamer fishing effective, especially during the early June salmon fly hatch. While trout in this upper section tend to be smaller, larger rainbows migrate up from the Island Park Reservoir in the fall. 

McCrea Bridge, located near the confluence with Island Park Reservoir, provides boating access upstream to the water below Coffee Pot Rapids. This is a favorite stretch with our guides who like to row upstream about a mile to fish the productive water.