Fly Fishing Newsletter
7-05-2005

Damsel Alert!

Now this isn't a call to rescue a damsel in distress. This is a call to fish the Damsel Fly hatch on Henry's Lake and Island Park Reservoir. Generally most bodies of water in the area experience this hatch this time a year to some degree or another. Out of all the lakes in the area Henry's lake is the most prolific and best known for the damsel hatch. The west end of Island Park Reservoir and most areas on Henry's Lake experience the steady march of the little wiggly nymphs.

The nymphs when they are ready to hatch march to their own drummer and nothing much will get in their way in their quest to reach the shoreline where they will crawl out and hatch into the actual Damsel Fly. Very large fish however at times will interrupt or impede their progress toward shore and that's where it becomes a lot of fun. The nymphs are usually olive in color and most nymph fly patterns in the olive variety will work. Although you can catch a fish on a dry fly version of a damsel the fish are locked on to the nymph's as they move toward shore. Fish become aggressive in their feeding habits around this time during the damsel migration to shore.

If you haven't had the experience of catching one of those large hybrids on damsel patterns you may have really missed a great experience. The fish are aggressive and big. They will really test your skills and leader when they attack your patterns. Bill Schiess the most notable guide on Henry's and Island Park reservoir is catching fish as large as 13 lbs. The last one being caught off Stayley Springs last Friday and it was 13lbs and had a twenty inch girth. Then again Bill is always catching big fish and a lot of them.

Current Patterns that are working are Bill's olive and chartreuse damsel nymph patterns. The Mighty Mouse is still holding its own and has been doing well all year along with the California Leech. Most of the emerging nymph's are on the west end of the reservoir. On Henry's Lake the west side produces the most activity during this time of the year. Targee Creek as well as other areas see their share of damsel activity as well. Remember the fish are in closer at eight to 12 foot of water. The best time is between 9am and noon although it varies depending on weather and temperature. Also remember to fish perpendicular to the shore line as the nymph's are working their way toward shore.

If you're new to the area or new to fishing the damsel fly hatch you won't be disappointed. Catching large aggressive fish is an awesome way to spend the day. Please feel free to stop in for any questions you might have. We would be glad to help. We are located at Ponds Lodge.

Lynn Scott

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Guided Fly Fishing Services in the greater Island Park and Yellowstone area.
Specializing in guided stillwater fly fishing services on Henry's Lake, Island Park Reservoir, Sheridan Lake.
Fly Shop @ Ponds Lodge Island Park Rd. Island Park, ID| (208) 390-2177 |