Small Streams
SMALL STREAMS
ReportThe Teton River in the basin is likely our most popular small stream, but its best fishing days this season are numbered. The same applies to most of our small streams. Although water temperatures are about ideal, reduced flows, fewer daylight hours, and cooler nights mean a change in fly fishing strategy is upcoming. Trout will soon be heading to the deepest water to seek cover, and wet fly fishing will produce more action.
Soon BWOs will be the sole active mayfly species. A killing frost will impact terrestrial insects everywhere, with higher elevation streams the first to see this happen. Warm days mean lower elevation streams will see it later. Creeks such as Palisades, Rainy, and lower Warm and Fall Rivers remain good choices for fly fishing.
Try tiny BWO life cycle patterns on the Buffalo River adjacent to the campground, especially on overcast days. Birch Creek remains good fly fishing because of numerous springs flowing into it — and Tricos are showing up there.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | #20–22 | Active and becoming the sole mayfly species; best on overcast days | Midday to early afternoon |
| Trico | #22–24 | Showing up at Birch Creek; spring-fed water keeping activity going | Morning |
| Terrestrials (Ants) | #16 | Still active at lower elevation streams; frost will end this soon | Warm midday to afternoon |
- OVERCAST MIDDAY TO EARLY AFTERNOON: Prime window for BWO dry fly and emerger action on Buffalo River and other small streams — cloud cover triggers the hatch.
- WARM MORNING: Fish Trico activity at Birch Creek in the morning before the sun gets high; spring-fed flows keep this creek productive longer than most.
- AFTERNOON ON LOWER ELEVATION STREAMS: Palisades, Rainy, lower Warm, and Fall Rivers still see terrestrial activity on warm days — work ant patterns before the first hard frost ends it.
