Henry's Fork - Ashton Tailwater

About Henry's Fork - Ashton Tailwater

The Ashton Tailwater runs from the Ashton Dam down to St. Anthony. This stretch of the Henry's Fork holds a high number of big trout. You can access it by boat or wading. The banks are often open, with some structure like drop-offs and submerged rocks. The river is wide and can be challenging to read at first glance, but the fish are there. This tailwater is known for big Rainbow Trout and even bigger Brown Trout. Aquatic insect hatches are significant here, with Salmonflies, Golden Stones, Pale Morning Duns, Green Drakes, Flavs, and various caddisflies appearing throughout the season. When hatches are on, especially early in the season, expect company. Fishing nymphs, streamers, and terrestrials can be productive all year. The trout are well-educated, so precise fly placement and presentation are key. When the hatches are active, dry fly fishing can be excellent. Look for rises and match the hatch with patterns like PMD Sparkle Duns, Green Drake Comparaduns, or Elk Hair Caddis. Mid-morning through the afternoon is often prime time. When fish aren't showing, nymphing is a reliable bet. Beadhead nymphs like Hare's Ears and Pheasant Tails in sizes 12-16, or smaller midge patterns like Zebra Midges and WD-40s in sizes 16-20, will work. Fish these under an indicator or tight-line them through deeper runs and along the banks. Streamer fishing can also produce, especially for the larger brown trout. Olive and black Woolly Buggers, Zonkers, and Sculpin patterns fished near structure or along drop-offs can trigger aggressive strikes. Cover water with streamers, varying your retrieve speed. Early mornings and late evenings can be particularly good for this technique. Be mindful of other anglers; give them space and avoid crossing lines.