Henry's Fork Fishing Forecast
Legendary spring creek
Complex season — varies by section
Railroad Ranch section: catch-and-release Dec 1 to Fri before Mem Day. Other sections: Mem Day wknd - Nov 30 (6 trout). Some sections open year-round C&R
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 2:11 AM
32°F
--
4 AM - 6 AM
Zebra Midge
7-Day Forecast
Free forever • No signup required • Hourly updates
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout
spring creek
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Skwala
Stonefly
Early season stonefly, hatches on warm afternoons
BWO
Mayfly
Blue Wing Olives hatch on overcast days, spring and fall
Midge
Midge
Year-round in tailwaters, winter staple
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| April | 42-52°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| May | 48-58°F | Dry Flies, BWOs, Skwala |
| June | 54-64°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| July | 58-68°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| August | 60-70°F | Hoppers, Terrestrials, PMDs |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, BWOs, October Caddis |
| December | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Midges, Small Streamers |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Access Points & Parking for Henry's Fork
Big Springs
Headwaters access. Crystal clear spring water.
Last Chance
Access to the famous Railroad Ranch section.
Osborne Bridge
Box Canyon access.
Ashton
Lower river access.
How to Fish Henry's Fork: Tips & Tactics
The Henry's Fork is one of the most technical trout streams in North America. The Railroad Ranch section is legendary for large, selective rainbows.
Best Times of Day
Prime season with green drakes in late June. PMDs hatch through July. Trico hatches bring morning action in August. Fish rise in predictable locations - learn the water and find your fish before casting.
Recommended Techniques
Match the hatch precisely and use light tippet. Observe feeding lanes and time your casts. Long, drag-free drifts are essential. The Last Chance Cripple pattern was developed for this water.
Water Conditions
Runoff can be challenging in spring. Focus on spring creek sections during high water. Optimal flows are 400-1,200 CFS on the Ranch.
Fly Selection
Green Drake and PMD patterns are essential. Trico and rusty spinner patterns for late summer. Last Chance Cripple is a must-have pattern.
Local Knowledge
Book guides early for prime dates. The Ranch water rewards patience and observation. This is dry fly fishing at its finest.
Local Tips
Last Chance, Idaho is the gateway to Henry's Fork fishing. The Henry's Fork Foundation supports conservation efforts.
When is the Best Time to Fish Henry's Fork?
Spring
Runoff can be challenging. Focus on spring creek sections.
Summer
Prime season with green drakes, PMDs, and Tricos. July-August is best.
Fall
October caddis and streamers. Brown trout move up from the reservoir.
Winter
Limited winter access. Some sections fish through mild weather.
Recommended Equipment for Henry's Fork
Rod
9-foot, 4 or 5-weight for most fishing.
Line
Floating line with long leaders.
Leader & Tippet
12-15 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold spring water even in summer.
Essential Flies
Henry's Fork Fishing Regulations
Season
Open June through November. Check current dates.
Limits
Catch-and-release for rainbow trout in most sections.
Special Regulations
Artificial flies only in the Ranch section. No motors.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies only.
Notes
Check Idaho Fish and Game for current regulations.
Always verify current regulations with Idaho fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Henry's Fork
Local Fly Shops
- Henry's Fork Anglers - Last Chance
- TroutHunter - Island Park
- Last Chance Lodge
Guide Services
- Henry's Fork Anglers Guides
- TroutHunter Guide Service
- Mike Lawson's Guide Service
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
400 - 1200 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Idaho Trout Rivers
Snake
South Fork Snake
Silver Creek
Big Wood River
Salmon River
Ready to Fish the Henry's Fork?
Get real-time forecasts with AI-powered fly recommendations, live water conditions, and hatch predictions.
Get Your Forecast