Carpe Diem!
by: Jonathan Lancaster
When someone mentions The Snake River to a fly fisherman, the response is almost immediate: "I fished the Henry's Fork once.tough rainbows there!" or "The South Fork.never seen dry fly fishing like that." Yes, the Snake is renowned across the country as one of the finest trout fisheries anywhere. Its waters teem with native cutthroat, wild rainbows and brown trout that don't eat anything other than the kind of fish most people take pictures of. There's no debating it-The Snake has fishing for everyone. In fact, its versatility remains one of its greatest attractions.
Whether you like fishing for sippers in slow backwaters, drifting nymphs through fast runs, or stripping rabbit fur for those elusive big ones, chances are The South Fork Lodge can help you put together the trip you've been dreaming of.
What not so many people realize is that, collectively, South Fork Outfitters and Henry Fork Anglers have been working hard to expand their spheres of fishable water over the past few years. One of their greatest triumphs has been the acquisition of waters on the main Snake, that is to say downstream of the confluence. When the South Fork and Henry's Fork join together in the vicinity of Roberts, Idaho, a new river is born. It's a massive volume of water that begins to slow and meander westward past Idaho Falls and eventually into American Falls reservoir. This section of river is an exciting and virtually untapped resource in the eyes of many experienced anglers. In this area, clients must cover a lot of water and work hard to locate their quarry. While not a trip designed for the beginning angler who wants to catch high numbers, the lower Snake floats offer a chance to hook into a truly massive trophy.
It's true, this section of river has begun to produce some extremely large trout for our guides, as well as another, less likely hero. Monster Carp! Now, before you say anything, perhaps there are some things you don't realize about this admirable game fish. Did you know that carp can grow in excess of thirty pounds, routinely feed in shallow water, can often be seen tailing, and will test your stalking skills in the same manner as a bonefish of redfish? These large golden tricksters will readily take flies presented delicately in front of them as they cruise the shallows searching for food. Lay you line across their back and they will disappear in a sudden puff of silt. Show them your silhouette and you'll see nothing more than tails as they cruise away. Carp fishing is an exercise designed for any patient angler who welcomes challenging conditions and wants to land a fish capable of towing a boat or doubling an eight-weight rod.
Fishing for carp is much like flats fishing in all respects. The flies used are generally nymphs twitched in front of the Carp's mouth. Patterns such as the prince nymph or the rubber-legged hare's ear are often just the ticket. Nevertheless, that's not to say that these fish won't take dry flies. Patterns resembling berries or cotton are known to produce great results in some areas and other tactics can be effective at times. One of our employees has even watched a pod of carp slurping tricos. Now that would something to remember.trying to catch a ten-pound carp on a size twenty-two.
It's true, this section of river has begun to produce some extremely large trout for our guides, as well as another, less likely hero. Monster Carp! Now, before you say anything, perhaps there are some things you don't realize about this admirable game fish. Did you know that carp can grow in excess of thirty pounds, routinely feed in shallow water, can often be seen tailing, and will test your stalking skills in the same manner as a bonefish of redfish? These large golden tricksters will readily take flies presented delicately in front of them as they cruise the shallows searching for food. Lay you line across their back and they will disappear in a sudden puff of silt. Show them your silhouette and you'll see nothing more than tails as they cruise away. Carp fishing is an exercise designed for any patient angler who welcomes challenging conditions and wants to land a fish capable of towing a boat or doubling an eight-weight rod.
Fishing for carp is much like flats fishing in all respects. The flies used are generally nymphs twitched in front of the Carp's mouth. Patterns such as the prince nymph or the rubber-legged hare's ear are often just the ticket. Nevertheless, that's not to say that these fish won't take dry flies. Patterns resembling berries or cotton are known to produce great results in some areas and other tactics can be effective at times. One of our employees has even watched a pod of carp slurping tricos. Now that would something to remember.trying to catch a ten-pound carp on a size twenty-two.
In addition to the gravel bar flats along the Snake, The South Fork Lodge is equipped to offer sight fishing for carp on several bodies of still water including the Blackfoot Reservoir. If you are interested in taking a shot at this exciting and growing challenge in fly fishing, contact the South Fork Lodge to discuss plans for a trip. For our clients who choose to spend several days with us, The South Fork Lodge strongly suggests that they cons