Early Season – (Memorial Day Through June)
The season here at Three Rivers opens the last week in May when the Henry’s Fork is typically in the midst of the Salmonfly hatch. Some very large fish can be tempted to the surface with imitations of this huge stonefly. As water temperatures moderate mayfly and caddis hatches begin in earnest, including Pale Morning Duns and the well known Green Drake hatch. The famous Railroad Ranch opens on the 15th of June and you can experience some of the finest dry fly fishing the Henry’s Fork has to offer at this time. The Firehole River also has excellent hatches during this period. By the end of June runoff is receding and some of the smaller rivers are starting to turn on.

Mid Season- (July/August)
Taking a break on the Teton RiverJuly is usually highlighted by the Salmonfly hatch on the South Fork of the Snake, which typically begins around July 4th, followed by other stoneflies and heavy mayfly hatches. There’s excellent fishing to be had with large dries as well as match the hatch fishing during the Mayfly hatches. Smaller rivers like the Teton, Fall River, and Warm River come on and fish well throughout the summer, offering a great diversity of fishing Teton River Cutthroatopportunities for both wading and floating. July 15th marks the opener for the Yellowstone River, in Yellowstone National Park, and there are numerous options available elsewhere in the Park all summer long. Hebgen Lake is yet another option with large fish feeding on hatching Mayflies.

Late Season – (September/October)
Brown Trout on the South ForkAs summer turns to fall, days shorten and cooler water temperatures trigger the emergence of late-season mayflies like Blue-winged Olives and Mahogany Duns. Water levels are perfect for wading and the South Fork and Henry’s Fork offer excellent and consistent opportunities for fishing dry flies to rising fish. Hatches can also be Autumn day on the South Fork very good on the Firehole at this time of year. Streamer fishing can produce some of the best fishing of the year for trophy Brown Trout during this period. The smaller rivers remain a good option for those who enjoy wading with warm days producing excellent hopper fishing.

We sell everything you need to make your fly fishing trip successful.  We feature & recommend Orvis at the lodge, but we sell every top fly fishing brand in the industry.

Fly Rods:
A mid-flex or medium action 9 foot, 5 weight fly rod will cover most of the angling conditions you might experience at Three Rivers Ranch. Some guests also like to bring a 4 or 6 weight fly rod for larger dry fly fishing, light nymph fishing, or streamer fishing.

Reels:
A single action fly reel capable of holding at least 75 yards of 20-pound test Dacron backing will work perfectly.

Fly Lines, Leaders & Tippet:
For all fishing, we recommend a weight forward floating fly line in an appropriate weight for the rod and reel. It will allow you to mend easier, for a more natural float.  Some guests like to bring an extra spool or another reel with sink tip line for streamer fishing.

The best all-around leader for western trout waters is a 9-footer with a 3x or 4x tippet.

Flies:
Many of the hatches you’ll encounter at Three Rivers Ranch can be imitated with general patterns that approximate the basic shape and size of aquatic insects endemic to the region’s waters. Three Rivers Ranch maintains a fully-stocked selection of flies for purchase. If you would like to bring or tie your own selection of flies you’re more than welcome to.  Give us a call at (208) 652-3750 for in-depth info on patterns.

Waders:
Floating from McKenzie and Skiff River boats, catarafts, and wading are featured at Three Rivers Ranch; therefore, a good pair of chest waders are essential to fully enjoy the fishing opportunities you’ll come across.

Clothing:
Dress at the Ranch is casual; however, it is suggested that you change from your fishing clothes into more suitable dinner attire. Idaho weather is variable throughout the season, particularly during the months of June, September, and October, so we suggest layering clothing to accommodate sudden temperature shifts. Day temperatures may be quite cool in the morning, stay in the 50’s, and in the warm afternoon, perhaps reach up into the 80s. Nights are generally cool. We recommend checking current weather conditions before your arrival.

Some clothing recommendations are:

• Thermal underwear
• Down or Primaloft vest or jacket
• Two long sleeve casting shirts – (Yes, we offer laundry services.)
• Lightweight pants
• Warm sweater or polar fleece
• Rain jacket
• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable tech socks
• Shorts
• Lightweight shirts

Other Useful Items:

• Fishing sandals
• Fly fisherman snips
• Dry-fly floatant
• Forceps
• Wading staff – for safety, balance, and comfort
• Rain jacket – the western weather is variable and sudden rainstorms do occur
• Sunscreen
• Fishing hat sunglasses – polarized glasses protect your eyes as well as cut the glare
• Sun gloves
• Insect repellent

Travel Insurance

In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to protect your trip investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even an unexpected sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. Three Rivers Ranch recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan that helps provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Travel Protection plans also include 24-Hour Travel Assistance & Concierge Services*.

For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 12-0031.

*Travel Assistance & Concierge Services are provided by the designated provider listed in Policy. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), NAIC #22276. XT7