August on the Harriman Ranch of the Henry's Fork

August is always exceptionally busy as it’s the month when friends and family come to visit (which is why I’m behind on the blog).  It’s always a lot of fun.  These last two days I’ve fished with a couple friends on the Henry’s Fork and on Thursday my brother and sister and their families arrive.  In addition to the usual busy August, on August 20^th I’ll head back to New Hampshire to be with the family because dad has been cleared to have brain surgery for his Parkinson.  This certainly sounds scary but dad hasn’t been able to toss a fly rod in over a year due to this horrible disease.  The results from this surgery can be incredibly positive and with a little luck he’ll be a part of this blog in the next year. 

The Henry’s Fork in August is very challenging.  This year even more so because of our consistent 90º days.  You can hit the water early and fish the tiny Trico hatch until about 11 AM.  Or as we did yesterday, arrive around 10 AM and catch the end of the tricos and then fish terrestrials the rest of the day. 

I fished with friends Derek Mitchell and Norm Thomas.  We walked our butts off till about 9 PM yesterday.  It was beyond hot and we had hardly and ounce of wind.  Fishing was very difficult and I caught the only two fish.  Both were dandies however including this incredibly fat 18 incher.  Both my fish fell for honey colored ant patterns.

Today was flat out brutal.  It was not only scorching hot but also muggy.  It never gets muggy in the Yellowstone area, but this summer is an exception.  Norm headed home last night while Derek and I camped.  We got an early start in the Harriman Ranch and found a few fish, none of which we caught.  We pulled out when major wind started around noon.  However not until after we smoked a good cigar together! 

Believe it or not, I drove all the way home this afternoon and will head back past the Henry’s Fork on up to Hebgen Lake tonight with Granny.  She finishes her work week at 5 and these next two days will be our last together until late September.  Sounds ridiculous but with visitors, my trip back east and then One Fly – it’s the way it works out.  In any case, this is why these next two days are going to be incredible.  Stay tuned!

Jeff Currier Global Fly Fishing