THE TRUE MEANING OF “HEAVEN ON EARTH” – FISHING THE SOUTH FORK!

Wow – what a summer this has turned out to be in southeastern Idaho, specifically Teton Valley, which hugs the Idaho/Wyoming border. To call this part of the gem state God’s country is no exaggeration. I really don’t think you could ask for more beautiful weather, with daytime temps hovering in the high 70’s to low 80’s, no humidity, and the sky a shade of lapis only the west can claim. After late spring snows and an unseasonably cool, rainy spring, the valley has morphed into a soothing shade of emerald and the rich earth blanketed with every type of wildflower imaginable. In addition to just a dizzying selection of outdoor adventures and exploring to be had here, one of the area’s greatest natural resources are its rivers, which continually prove to be an irresistible lure for anglers from all over the world. Teton Springs Lodge & Spa, nestled in the charming town of Victor, Idaho, is situated in the absolute heart of Yellowstone-Teton fly fishing country

Mother Nature’s defiant sluggishness to move from spring to summer set the stage for what is now considered to be the best fishing season of the decade, and, we don’t make these claims lightly. Reservoirs are full, the water is quickly warming, and the hatches are in frenzy. Calling all anglers, the fishing is more than officially turned on! Even better news, fly fishermen (and ladies of course!) can expect conditions on all of our eastern Idaho rivers to be at their best for the remainder of the summer and deep into fall (the “locals” all give a nod to this prediction).

A recent trip to the South Fork of the Snake River was nothing short of euphoric. It’s a quick jaunt from Victor to this glorious and ever impressive waterway. The South Fork is a tail-water, meaning; it’s a fishery below a dam and in this case, the Palisades Dam. It’s the tail-water status that gives the South Fork its muscle as a world-class river for snagging the big Browns, Rainbows and Cutthroats. Here’s why: its flows are regulated and interestingly enough, not for the benefit of us anglers, but for the thousands of farmers downstream who depend on the South Fork for their lifeblood, irrigation water. The level of the river dictates the flow levels and water temperature and the temperature of the water dictates the level of hatches (bugs on the water) occurring at any given time. The hatches of course in turn determine ultimately just how happy the fishermen are.

If you’re a numbers person here’s an example. The South Fork is currently running at 12,500 cubic feet per second and that is an optimum level for catching fish. Don’t ask why, this is already getting too technical. However, it is expected that the flows at this level, and, as they continue to drop throughout the summer, means terrific fishing on the river’s banks and in the riffles. The South Fork is chuck full of riffles and can entertain anglers all day long while success on the banks usually equates to accomplished casting and a competent guide on the oars. Watch for well-defined foam lines, deep pools and structures; there’s plenty to go around on this river. Hatches can also be very fussy so you need all the appropriate bugs to enhance your chances; this isn’t a sport of luck. Now it’s time to divulge a few secrets. Your fly box marked “South Fork” should include the following (warning: this is only a partial list!): pmds, yellow sallies, caddis, baetis, stone flies, flavs, ants, and spinners. If the bugs take a break, you can too. Now’s the time to sit back, relax and watch for the abundant wildlife roaming the banks; you almost always see a moose and golden eagles peering at you from above.

Neophytes, or even the rusty angler who is perhaps a tad anxious, can relax. Lodging guests at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa can easily perfect that casting technique, or, become a student of the sport on the resort’s nine fully stocked ponds. These ponds & lakes are literally just steps from your lodge room or luxury mountain log home. Teton Springs Resort on-property guides are neighbors at WorldCast Anglers. They’re the experts around here and happy to share their formidable knowledge with you, while learning and, on a variety of guided trips to all of the dynamic rivers in the area http://www.worldcastanglers.com/index.php?go=home. The nice folks at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa and WorldCast are happy to help with all your fishing adventures, and, be sure to ask about a legendary South Fork adventure which very well could be considered the nirvana of a fly fishing trip. Spending the night in the “South Fork Hilton” takes a fishing and camping excursion to a whole new dimension!

Keep a tight line and enjoy!
Call Teton Springs Lodge & Spa for reservations & fishing on the South Fork and other area rivers: toll free: 877-787-8757 and visit www.tetonspringslodge.com.

Teton Springs Lodge & Spa is situated in the absolute heart of Grand Teton fly fishing country! The best fly flying rivers in the entire Rocky Mountain West are in our neighborhood – the South Fork, Snake, Teton, and Henry’s Fork. The infamous Teton River originates on the west slope of the Teton Mountains, literally steps from Teton Springs Lodge & Spa. Against the backdrop of the soaring Grand Tetons, fly fishing on this Blue Ribbon tributary quickly turns into a world-class fly fishing excursion. Observe the beaver putting the finishing touches on his new riverfront lodge, the occasional moose meandering along the bank, the Great Blue Heron stalking his prey, and it’s obvious this is more than just a fishing trip!

The Teton River – Grand Teton Fly Fishing At It’s Finest

The Teton River has long been considered a fly fishing Mecca and a river that will literally hypnotize the experienced angler. Referred by locals as simply “Grand Teton Fly fishing extraordinaire” this river is home to rainbow trout, hybrid rainbow, cutthroat trout and brook trout. For the neophyte, there are seasoned professional guides, exclusive partners with Teton Springs, who insure that fly fishing Grand Teton rivers soon become a serious addiction. This scenic outing winds through the flat valley floor giving the fisherman, and those simply along for the scenic ride, unobstructed and spectacular views of the entire Teton Mountain range.

Another stop along the way for more breathtaking scenery and fishing to match, Jackson Hole’s mighty Snake River may very well top the list as a premier destination for any angler. Visitors using Teton Springs Lodge & Spa as their base camp for Grand Teton fly fishing need only venture 30 miles east for an unprecedented day of angling. Many anxious fishermen sacrifice their best fly to the Snake in hopes to hook that illusive native Wyoming cutthroat. Be sure to choose a “bug” that closely mimics the daily hatch, any Parachute Adams or Yellow Humpy to name a few. Fishing on this river is so good it can quickly turn into a spiritual experience. Terrific Grand Teton fly fishing, as good as it is, doesn’t stop here. The South Fork of the Snake River and the world-famous Henry’s Fork are also only thirty minutes away and are known for guaranteeing a high yield for any fisherman.

The stage is set for what could be the perfect Yellowstone fly fishing junket! Guests staying at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa will enjoy exploring the neighborhood, especially if one is interested in fishing the greatest rivers in North America! Teton Springs Resort, located in the sleepy but breathtakingly beautiful Teton Valley, sits on the eastern edge of the southern Idaho and western Wyoming borders. Straddling these two Rocky Mountain recreational giants provides Teton Springs Resort guests an optimal base camp while they’re out exploring the many superb rivers, lakes and streams that are within an easy reach of the lodge. Fly fishing Yellowstone’s fisheries has never been this easy!

Any experienced angler familiar with this Yellowstone-Teton territory will attest that a Yellowstone fly fishing expedition in the nation’s first national park, known for its trophy worthy Yellowstone cutthroat, never disappoints. Setting out from Teton Springs, fishermen can enter the park from either the west or south gate of the park. The angler is then faced with staggering decisions on which legendary water to tackle first. Choices include the Madison, Gibbon, Gallatin, Firehole, Lamar, Bechler, Lewis, the mighty Snake and more. The nirvana of all fly fishing, the salmon fly hatch, will reach its peak in the park’s Upper Madison River sometime in mid-July. There is also fantastic fishing along the way traveling both east and west into the park; most are easily accessible so pack those waders. As with most worthwhile journeys; half the fun is just getting there!

Yellowstone Fly Fishing is just the Beginning

Settled back in at Teton Springs after a day of premier Yellowstone fly fishing or Grand Teton fly fishing, guests can discover other activities to round out that perfect western vacation. Chill in the full service Stillwaters Spa, or sample that award-winning merlot patio side while resident eagles soar overhead. However, many guests gravitate to the nine fully stocked ponds on property where you’ll find side-by-side the experienced, passionate angler looking to perfect that casting technique or the neophyte anxious to absorb the basic fundamentals of fly fishing. Teton Springs Resort on-property guides from World Cast Anglers can help speed up that learning process and also provide expertise on a variety of guided trip to nearby rivers. Yellowstone Fly fishing is only the beginning!