Fishing Report
February Over View
February has felt more like the start of March. The Western states are experiencing a warm, dry January and February, with the warmer temperatures over the past week offering ample local fly fishing opportunities. Over the past week of warmer weather, I've been able to sneak out on section 1 of the South Fork for some winter wade fishing. The start of February was warm; temperatures during the day were at some points in the mid-40 degrees, allowing comfortable fishing opportunities. During the beginning of the warming event, fishing was consistent and quite good between 10 am and 4 pm. We experienced rain and warm temperatures the next few days, rapidly melting ice shelves and snowpack. This rapid melt ended up cooling down the river's water temperature, making trout spooky and lethargic.
At the beginning of February, the Teton Valley was experiencing nighttime negative temperatures with daytime temperatures in the single digits, creating a large ice shelf on the river and allowing easy wading access to moving water when ice is thick enough to support it. During the first warm day, when the high-pressure system flipped, allowing daytime temperatures around 32 degrees, the fishing on section 1 was excellent. Fish were keyed in on emerging midges in size 16-18, and attractor flies such as stone fly nymphs, leeches, and worms are great options as attractor nymphs. Trailing tiny midges size 14- 16 is an excellent option for fish that are keyed in on the emerging midges early and late in the day. The attractor nymphs become more productive when midges are not as readily available. Fish preferred the slow water in the 3 ft-8 ft depth. Slower runs and tail-outs seemed to hold fish throughout the entire day. The trout were erratically suspended at times, making the fishing seem harsh. Frequently changing depth by either length or weight seemed to get instant reactions but inconsistent staying at the same depth and weight. Most trout were feeding in slow water, where drifts can be difficult due to the lack of movement. Short leashing, combined with lightly weighted and unweighted flies, was the key for fishing the slower water, allowing stealthily drifts in slower seems. Target slow water and the midwater column.
Streamer Fishing
Streamer fishing would be a great option right now. Swinging small streamers in the winter runs would be a great technique during this warmer winter. I would focus on the lower end of the winter runs. Slower tail-outs are great options for swinging streamers. I recommend a two-handed rod or a single-handed 7wt slow sinking fly line in the 200 grains or less, which would be ideal for a slow retrieve. Floating fly lines are an excellent option for fishing heavy jig streamers. I recommend tapered 8-9ft leader 2x for throwing jig streamers on floating lines.
Dry Fly Opportunities
Adult midges emerged in decent numbers over the past week. We found certain select spots holding small pods of rising trout. Most of these rising trout have been cutthroat with the random rainbow trout in the mix. These fish were being quite spooky. 10ft-14ft 5x leader to small tandem midge dry flies size #16-18#. CDC flies and my favorite for fishing these spooky fish.
February fishing predictions
I’m predicting fishing will stay somewhat consistent through the next few months. We are experiencing a low snow year with warmer-than-average tempers, allowing able-bug life. During these low snow years, winter fishing can be spectacular, and I predict that February and March will be some of the best winter fishing we have seen in a few years. I've noticed that rainbow trout seem to be feeding as heavily as brown trout. While most of the trout over the past week have been brown trout rainbows and cutthroat trout, The rainbow trout seem to be in a pre-spawn feeding stage. The pre-spawn feeding window is usually in March and April. But the warmer winter we have been experiencing is allowing fish to stage earlier. Feel free to reach out to me through email with any questions on fly recommendations or winter guiding avaiblitly
