Henry's Fork
The Henry's Fork of the Snake River, named
after Andrew Henry known for discovering and exploring the area
in the early 1800s, is arguably one of the finest trout streams
in the
lower forty-eight states.
 |
Box Canyon |
In fact Trout
Unlimited voted the Henry's Fork the number one stream in the
country. The upper section of the Henry's Fork is formed where
Henry's Lake Outlet, a lightly fished meadow stream bound by
willow trees, meets Big Springs, the primary source of water
to the Henry's Fork.
Downstream from where the Outlet is joined by Big Springs, the
Henry's Fork flows past Mack's Inn and Upper Coffee Pot Campground.
This portion of the river is primarily a put-and-take fishery
containing mostly smaller trout. This area is also a popular
recreation spot for rafting and canoeing. Further downstream
larger rainbows can be found in the productive pocket water
of Coffee Pot Rapids. Fall fishing can be quite exciting here
when large rainbows follow spawning Kokanee out of the reservoir.
 |
Harriman
State Park |
Below Island Park Reservoir the Henry's Fork flows into the
famed Box Canyon. This short 3 1/2 mile stretch of river produces
some of the best fishing you will find anywhere on the river.
This fast flowing section is primarily nymphing water due to
an abundant food supply consisting primarily of stonefly nymphs.
From the bottom of Box Canyon the river slows as it flows thru
the community of Last Chance and Harriman State Park. This section
of the Henry's Fork, most famous among dry fly fisherman the
world over, is known for large rainbow trout, beautiful sunsets,
prolific hatches, and perfect presentations . Fish this area
in mid-June and you might find twenty-inch rainbows gorging
themselves during a green drake hatch.
Below Harriman State Park the river picks up speed again near
Riverside Campground as it drops into Cardiac Canyon. From the
campground to the Hatchery Ford takeout, you'll find approximately
4 miles of deep runs and pocket water with some class 2 white
water rapids. Like the Box Canyon this section can produce good
numbers of rainbows with some of the largest fish being taken
out of some of the deep runs. The Hatchery Ford takeout is the
last easy access before Lower Sheep Falls and Mesa Falls.
 |
Cardiac
Canyon |
The section of river below Lower Mesa Falls
may be the most scenic and least-fished portion of the river.
Rainbows and browns can be taken here in good numbers and size.
Access is limited due to steep canyon walls and floating this
stretch is advisable only for the experienced oarsman.
From the confluence with Warm River to the Ashton Reservoir
the Henry's Fork becomes more easily fishable with lots of deep
pools, riffles and good of access. Excellent dry fly fishing
can be found in the many back eddies and current seams. Large
populations of rainbows and brown trout reside here making this
one of the most diverse sections of the river.
 |
Lower
Henry's Fork |
From the Ashton Dam to St. Anthony the Henry's
Fork consists mostly of long riffles and runs. This section
fishes best early and late in the season, good hatches in June
and July can produce some of the best dry fly fishing on the
river. Open all year, the hearty angler willing to brave the
cold during March and April can get in some great early season
fishing.
In addition to the Henry's Fork, Hyde Outfitters Last Chance
Lodge in Island Park, Idaho can provide you with all of your
Fly Fishing needs on the South Fork of the Snake or Teton River.
Rowing Clinics and Fly Fishing Guide Schools are also offered
throughout the season. |
 |
 |