© Daryl Hunter - The Hole Picture

The Henry's Fork of the Snake River, located in eastern Idaho, is one of the most famous trout streams in all of the United States. It's legendary hatches and abundant large wild rainbow trout make the Henry's Fork one of America's top fly-fishing destinations. The river flows for approximately 150 miles and within its journey passes some of the more classic dry fly water in the United States. Gentle flowing meadowland, pocket water, and spring creek like sections make up much of this legendary fishery made popular by Avril Harriman the railroad man. The Henry's Fork of the Snake is a spectacular river and fishery. Anglers come from all over the world to this river to fish its diverse and productive waters.

Henry's Lake is the source of the Henry's Fork River. The lake is fed by seven creeks, and by springs in the lake bottom. It is very rich water for trout, loaded with weeds and insects. Henry's lake is an awesome fishery in its own right and has produced many state records.

© Daryl Hunter - The Hole Picture

The river flowing from the outlet dam is just as rich as the lake. It winds across the grassy, often wildflower-covered meadows of Henry's Lake Flat. This is a section of quiet runs and deep pools with often marshy or boggy banks and many spring-fed tributary creeks. The fish do not have many holding spots due to an almost featureless bottom, and tend to gather in the deeper holes. This is a six-mile meandering meadow section flanked on three sides by mountain ranges in excess of 10,000 feet. The fish run large, seldom less than two pounds. One must seek concealment or kneel while casting and keep low until the fish are hooked. The first half of this section from Henry's Lake to where Big Springs flows into the river is a good stretch of water that is less visited than much of the water below Island Park Reservoir. Above the confluence of Big Springs and on to the lake outlet is an all-wild trout fishery and receives no hatchery fish. This section is the least fished of any part of the river. For the angler who hates crowds Henry's Lake Flat is the place. Below the Flats you can expect about two miles of dense willow swamp before the river meets the 480 million-gallon daily flow of 52-degree water from Big Springs.

© Daryl Hunter - The Hole Picture

From Big Springs down to the U.S. Highway 191 bridge at Mack's Inn the Henry' s Fork is a deep swamp-marsh stream of very large pools with a mostly silt-covered bottom. There is gravel underneath the silt, and it shows in some places, but in others the silt is deep enough to be problematic. This is however a cold and productive stretch of the Henry's Fork.

Below Island Park Reservoir begins the one of the most popular stretches of Henry's Fork River. A mile below the tail-water outflow of the reservoir the Buffalo River flows into the Henry's Fork. The junction of these two rivers is the start of Box Canyon, which is famous for its large rainbows that inhabit this section of tumbling water. The fishing here is especially good for anglers looking for an "easier" place to fish. This section is roughly 3 miles long and can be entered most easily by the road turning into Island Park Reservoir just north of Pond's Lodge, then turning off just short of the dam down to the boat launching spot about a half-mile downstream from the dam.

© Daryl Hunter - The Hole Picture

Below Box Canyon the Henry's Fork slows down and widens once it emerges from its narrows on its way through the community of Last Chance. Here the Henry's Fork looks more like a giant spring creek than a river. This seven-mile stretch through Last Chance and Harriman State Park is not only home to an abundance of large wild rainbows but also acclaimed for its prolific hatches.

The flat meadow water of the Harriman State Park encompasses some of the best dry fly fishing anywhere. These college-educated rainbows can be very selective and unpredictable and have humbled many of the world's finest anglers. This meandering meadow water extends for about 9 miles, starting at Last Chance below the mouth of Box Canyon and extending downstream to the summer home community of Pinehaven.

© Daryl Hunter - The Hole Picture

The Henry's Fork below Osborne Bridge lies about three miles of water; there are some nice glides, a few riffles then the smooth water stretch approaching Pinehaven. The half or three-quarters of a mile of water just above and below Pinehaven is a truly great stretch of water with almost as many hatches as the Harriman State Park but respect the private property.

Below the park the Henry's Fork flows for a few more miles before reaching Riverside Campground. After passing Riverside Campground the river enters Cardiac Canyon. This canyon provides tremendous pocket water fishing for nearly 8 miles before reaching Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. If you float this section know what you are doing.

From the Riverside Campground downstream to the confluence of Warm River, the Henry's Fork drops about 1000 feet in elevation. This includes about 15 miles of water. Most of this area is inaccessible and requires some hiking into a steep canyon. The water is very similar to the Box Canyon and you fish it much the same way.

© Daryl Hunter - The Hole Picture

After the Henry's Fork cascades over Mesa Falls it slows down its pace The river flows for several miles before reaching the confluence of the Warm River. Brown trout and a small population of Yellowstone Cutthroats join the population of rainbows below Mesa Falls. Much of this stretch is accessible from a road that runs along the north bank of the river.

Below Warm River the Henry's Fork takes on a different look with more defined pools, runs and riffles. After joining the Warm River the Henry's Fork flows for several more miles before reaching Ashton Reservoir. The access is very good and most of the water is wadable. This section of Henry's Fork has a large population of trout, but since it isn't under the protection of special regulations many of the fish run small, there are some big ones however so always be ready. This section is also an easy float.

© Daryl Hunter - The Hole Picture

Below Ashton Reservoir is another tail-water section worth fishing. The seven-mile area from Ashton Dam to Chester Reservoir is an excellent tail-water fishery. The hatches here are very dependable and receive lighter pressure than the upper parts of the river.

The section of the Henry's Fork below Chester Reservoir is a good section of river but has more limited access. Some quality fish are found throughout this stretch of river.

Access to Henry's Fork River can be found along Route 20, Route 47, and other side roads along the river. There are several areas to fish along the river that are clearly marked.

A few thoughts on fishing
"But when I am alone in the half light of the canyon all existence seems to fade to a being with my soul, and memories. And the sounds of the Big Black Foot River, and a four count rhythm, and the hope that a fish will rise. Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters." Sound-bite from a River Runs Through it. The Yellowstone Teton Region fly-fishing is blessed with a plethora of blue ribbon trout waters that host prolific hatches of Mayflies, Caddis Flies and Stone Flies. Dozens of rivers and hundreds of lakes and streams, all world-class fisheries that attract anglers from around the world. The Henryís Fork, the Snake, the Madison, and the Yellowstone Rivers have been elevated to legendary status by the movies made about them and the books and articles that have been written about them. If you believe what you read, fly-fishing requires the touch of a surgeon and the spirit of a Zen master. Well, it might help but it certainly isnít required around here. Forget about what youíve heard about fly-fishing in the past, if you really want to fly-fish all you need are the right tools, proper technique, and a positive attitude. With these essential elements, you can begin to enjoy the sport of fly-fishing in no time. Some time spent with a guide can enhance your skills exponentially in a very short time, as they are all trained to be teachers. A day discovering the best techniques for fly-fishing with a guide on one of our regional rivers or legendary spring creeks gives you the foundation for many years of productive fly-fishing enjoyment of the future. Many regional guides have spent a lifetime fly-fishing the rivers and streams of Yellowstone Teton Region. Their instruction of the best flies, how to read the water, presentation, and all aspects of fishing the Yellowstone region can greatly enhance your fly-fishing experience. For those of you who already know how to fly-fish, or do not want to hire a fly-fishing guide, all you need is a map, the proper seasonal fly selection, and some current fly-fishing advice, all which can be found for the price of a handful of flies at a local fly shop. Most rental shops of the Yellowstone Teton region have drift boats rafts and float tubes for rent for those of you that wish to escape the confines of the bank of your river, lake, or stream, because as we all know, the big one is in the eddy on the far side of the river. Spin-cast fishing is popular around the area also and is a very productive way to wet a line. Although spin fishing doesnít require the finesse and learning curve of fly-fishing, a guided trip with a guide that knows spin-fishing can really improve our catch rate. Remember to keep in mind to de-barb your hooks to improve your catches chance of survival upon release. We also encourage lure fisherman to cut their treble hooks down to a single hook. The Snake River Drainage is home to a unique subspecies of cutthroat trout known as the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat Trout. This outstanding game fish is indigenous to the Snake River drainage and relies totally on natural reproduction. Having a wild trout fishery with indigenous trout is not something we take for granted and we highly encourage catch and release fishing to protect this valuable resource. The Yellowstone Cutthroat, as the name implies, are native to the Yellowstone River drainage of southwest and south-central Montana and northwest Wyoming. In general, The relation of Yellowstone cutthroat trout to Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout is problematic. Early genetic analyses could not distinguish these subspecies, but recent attempts have been more successful. Whether you are fishing for one of the Fine-spotted Snake River Cutthroat our Yellowstone Cutthroat you will find their most endearing qualities is their fondness for feeding on top sipping mayflies flies or attacking stoneflies, drakes, and hoppers. Large dry flies like size eight Turck Tarantulas, Royal Wulffs, Club Sandwiches, and hoppers are all popular and good choices. Size six and even four stone fly patterns sometimes are also effective. Rainbow and Brown Trout can be found throughout the area as well a few sub-species of cutthroat trout, and some of our lakes are home to Kokanee Salmon. Many of our lakes are gifted with giant Lake Trout, but you usually need to be an expert or lucky to get one in the 20 to 50 pound category. Most are taken by trolling with spoons or minnow-like plugs attached to wire-line rigs or downriggers. They can also be taken by bottom fishing with whole or cut fish. In summer they often move to depths of 50 to 100 feet, but in spring and fall you can find them at depths of 20 feet or less. When ice fishing you can catch Lake Trout in hardly any water at all. Many of our lakes are put and take fisheries and are planted by the Idaho, Montana or Wyoming Game and Fish, but most of our rivers and streams are wild trout fisheries and do not receive planted fish. Our wild trout fisheries, due to the law of survival of the fittest, produce a hardier, smarter game fish, and is a resource worthy of protection. Catch and release although not mandatory on many waters is often the practice. Many of the fish of the region are caught and released 40 times per year and if everyone kept their fish there wouldnít be any here except inferior hatchery fish. I used to keep my big ones because they were such trophies, and I used to keep some to eat until I realized that I can buy a trout for two dollars in the store and that fish in the river provides has a much greater value than two dollars as a recreational resource.
Events
	Chuck Yeager & Guide Mike Lawson - One Fly Fishing Contest Jackson Hole One Fly Fishing Contest • Each year in September, flyfisherman from around the world gather in Jackson Hole Wyoming to participate in one of fly fishing's most unique events. It is a weekend filled with fun, challenges, adventures and of course, the famous Snake River Cutthroat trout. Give the Cutt-slam a try. • If you want to see some breathtaking country, do a little camping and accomplish something that only around 300 people have done, you might want to give Wyoming’s Cutt-Slam program a try.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program that recognizes anglers for catching Wyoming’s four subspecies of cutthroats in their native range. Back in the mid-90s, Wyoming fisheries coordinator, the late Ron Remmick, had an idea to try to bring more public awareness to Wyoming’s cutthroat trout and the management efforts benefitting these fish.  The Cutt-Slam was hatched and a program was developed to recognize anglers for making the effort to catch the Snake River, Bonneville, Colorado River and Yellowstone cutthroat subspecies.
Stories
	Fly-fishers go crazy saving flies - by D Dave Strege One fly-fisher stripped his clothes off and swam naked into the river to retrieve his fly that got snagged. Another stood on the shoulders of the guide and used pruning shears to cut down the branch where his fly was lodged. A lucky one hooked a big fish that snapped his line, losing fish and fly, only to wait five minutes before the fly somehow dislodged from the trout's mouth and popped to the surface. He netted it — the fly, that is. What would lead a fly-fisher to go to such extremes to save a fly caught in a tree limb or a log in the riverh.................More
Teton Region Fishing Outfitters
	Reel Deal Anglers • (Jackson Hole) Reel Deal Anglers is Jackson Hole’s Premier fishing guide service, don’t wait in a fly-fishing shop (we provide all the flies), we pick you up and take you right to the river. We guide on the Snake River, Green River, Henry’s Fork River, South Fork River, Madison River, New Fork River, Salt River, Gros Ventre River and the Teton River as well as numerous backcountry streams, popular spring creeks, and exclusive private water opportunities, so we can put you on the hottest water available at any given time. Our guides are superb and are experts on the water they specialize in. With Reel Deal Anglers, you’ll float and wade fish on beautiful rivers, encounter surprised wildlife, catch native trout while entertaining chance encounters with elk, moose, bison osprey and bald eagles fishing the same waters as you.
	Henry's Fork Anglers • (Island Park) Henry's Fork Anglers is located on the banks of the Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Last Chance, Idaho. The Henry's Fork is one of the most famous and diverse fly fishing rivers in the world, with plenty to offer the advanced fly fisher as well as the beginner. Its prolific aquatic insect hatches draw fly fishers from around the globe to test their skills against highly selective rainbow trout.
Fisheries Conservation Organizations
	Curt Gowdy & Lee Wulff fishing the One Fly Fishing Contest Jackson Hole One Fly Capital Foundation • The Jackson Hole One Fly Capital Foundation (One Fly) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) established a new partnership in 2003 to leverage both organizations’ funding and interest in cold water fisheries conservation, particularly in the tributaries and mainstem Snake and Yellowstone Basins. The One Fly and NFWF have a long history in fisheries conservation throughout the greater Snake River and Yellowstone region. Trout Unlimited • Trout Unlimited’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Trout Unlimited accomplishes this mission on local, state and national levels with an extensive and dedicated volunteer network. TU’s national office, based just outside of Washington, D.C., and its regional offices employ professionals who testify before Congress, publish a quarterly magazine, intervene in federal legal proceedings, and work with the organization’s 125,000 volunteers in 500 chapters nationwide to keep them active and involved in conservation issues. Federation of Fly Fishers •The Federation of Fly Fishers, an international service organization dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through Conservation and Education. The FFF and its Councils are the only organized advocate for fly fishers on the national and regional level. By joining you will have the opportunity to contribute, with your membership and your voice, to fishery conservation and restoration for all fish in all waters

Regional Scenic Float Trips

Mad River Scenic Float Trips • (Jackson Hole) A pleasant tour enabling you to relax and enjoy the scenery of Jackson Hole while our informative guides point out landmarks & wildlife.  We offer morning and afternoon trips down the southern section of the Snake River.  Also available is our popular combination scenic trip and whitewater adventure for an amazing day on the river.  Teton Expeditions • (Jackson Hole) For over 35 years Teton Expeditions has shared our knowledge of the river with the visitors of Jackson Hole. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unsurpassed. Please join us for an adventure that you will remember for a lifetime.