The Ranch 1987 versus 2005

See below for aerial photo images of the Henrys Fork in the Ranch section of Harriman State Park that are overlain to compare changes within the river channel between 1987 and 2005. The release of an estimated 50 to 100 tons of sediment from Island Park Reservoir occurred in 1992. Two areas of the Ranch are shown in the video; Big Bend and Millionaires Pool. In both areas, the 1987 aerial photos seem to depict lush macrophytes and multiple complex deeper water channels, whereas the 2005 photos appear to depict more simplified habitat and sediment deposition. Brad Higginson, hydrologist with Caribou-Targhee National Forest, did all of the aerial photo work and developed the video.



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Angler Attitude Survey Results

We have some preliminary results for the Angler Attitude Survey of the Henrys Fork in Harriman State Park that was conducted by the Henry’s Fork Foundation in 2008. These results were presented to the Henry’s Fork Watershed Council on March 16, 2009. This presentation was converted to the slide show and text boxes (white or green) were added to the slide show to provide “narration”.

Angler Survey Jim De Rito

View more presentations from Susan Steinman.

Use of Tributaries by Junvenile Trout in the Caldera

One of the questions the "Caldera Assessment/FAQ document" addressed, was do the small tributaries found on the Ranch and in Last Chance provide over wintering habitat for Henry's Fork fish during the harsh winter months? This question directed us to take an intensive look this fall and winter at the three tributaries known as Blue Springs Creek, Thurmon Creek and Fish Creek. Looking at these tributaries and how fish use them will help further our knowledge of how age 0 rainbow trout survive their first winter, and to what degree these waters are used by trout.

For the past two weeks, HFF has been in the field marking fish from these tributaries so that they can be followed for the months to come. By using a technique known as "Visible Implant Elastomer" or VIE tagging, HFF has marked over 900 trout from the tributaries that will be followed throughout the coming months.
VIE tagging involves injecting a fluorescent elastomer into the fleshy skin of a fish to provide an externally visible internal mark. A unique color of elastomer was chosen for each tributary, therefore three different colored elastomers were used on the fish depending on which tributary they were collected from.

Already our marking has unveiled some surprising results as four fish marked from Thurmon Creek were found in Fish Creek one week after being tagged. These fish traveled over 6 kilometers downstream in the river and 2 kilometers up Fish Creek!

In addition to marking fish, HFF has placed thermorgraphs throughtout the tributaties to record winter water temperatures and are noting any possible habitat restrictions these systems contain. By addressing these factors, we can understand if young of the year trout are seeking thermal refuge, habitat concealment options, or both in the winter, while also looking at habitat restoration options. We look forward to understanding the part these spring systems play in regards to the mainstem river fisheries in our commitment to the Ranch and would like to offer any snow-enthusiasts to join us for a day in the field this winter!

Anne Marie Emery Miller
HFF Conservation Technician

Winding Down on Henry's Fork

Well, another fall is drawing too quickly to a close. This is my first (and only) post. Doing angler surveys has given me the chance to meet a lot of interesting and friendly folks from all over the country and world.

If you take the time, and it is worth taking, you can still see some views of beautiful country, even if the autumn colors are fading. Those of us who are blessed to live here sure should not be ones to take it for granted.

There is still good fishing to be found but with each day the weather becomes more of a gamble, so don't put it off. Insect hatches are still happening but really sporadic, you have to really get a sense of the timing for them. You wouldn't think there were any less, looking at my windshield every evening heading back to Ashton.

People are finding respectable rainbow trout but they seem very canny this late in the season. Comes from having to outwit good anglers all summer I guess. The old hands say to be prepared to hunt and use your knowledge of behavior, just like you would with any game. And of course, hope for a healthy share of luck.

There are large numbers of whitefish moving now and have been over the past week, spawning I suppose. At any rate there are some quite large and providing some great angling. I watched one do several runs and even tail dance before being brought in. They may not be rainbow, but they are providing some great sport.

One word of caution by the way, DRIVE CAREFULLY! The big critters are starting to move around. In the past couple of weeks there have been two moose and several deer struck by traffic during the evenings and nights. Don't end a fishing trip with a large mammal in the front seat unless it is related.

Well, thanks to everyone who let me interview them this season, your cooperation will give the Henry's Fork Foundation some good information to draw from to help you keep the river healthy and improving.

Also, my thanks to all the great folks who put up with my sometimes dumb questions. I appreciate the time you took to share your knowledge and expertise, I have tried to absorb everything you told me. Yep, I confess, I am not a fly fisherman, or rather, was not a fly fisherman. You have made it look too interesting so next year you will have another newbie trying to learn the sport and, more importantly, trying to learn the etiquette of the Henry's Fork congregation.

Have a good winter, folks, the pleasure has been mine.

Bill Puckett
"The survey guy"

Electrofishing the Ranch

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) will be electrofishing the Ranch over the next couple of weeks to obtain fall population estimates.

To estimate the Ranch population, IDFG will use a "mark-release-recapture procedure" in which a sample of the fish population will be captured from the river by electrofishing from a raft. When caught, each fish will be marked (usually by clipping a fin) and then be released back into the river to mix with the remainder of the population. Later, a recapture procedure will be repeated in which the proportion of marked individuals in the second sample can be used to estimate the number in the total population. Marking runs will take place from the Log Jam downstream to Osborne bridge today and tomorrow (October 6th & 7th) and the recapture run will occur next week (October 15th and 16th).

These estimates will be compared to those obtained in the spring to see how fish hold in the Ranch later in the season when macrophytes have become well established.

Outlet Repairs at IP Dam

Over the next few days, flows out of the Island Park Dam will be ramping down to the 350-400 cfs range (through the powerhouse) to allow FMID (Fremont Madison Irrigation District) into the old outlet tunnel to make repairs. The repairs should last no longer than a week, and flows will remain in the 350-400 cfs range this point forward for the next month to 6 weeks. Flows will likely be cut back again in November to store water for later winter releases to benefit the wild trout fishery.

Appealing to All

By Anne Marie Emery Miller

The sights and sounds of Harriman state park appealed to an array of interest groups yesterday, reminding us of the recreational opportunities "the ranch" has in lieu of the world renowned fishing.
A cow moose enjoying a breakfast of plentiful macrophytes above the log jam in Last Chance created quite the scene in the morning as local commuters and Yellowstone visitors pulled off the road to take photos. Anglers awaiting a mid-morning hatch were seen on the banks with smiles on their faces, not minding the momentary interruption to their solitude. The spectacular fall colors and hundreds of migrating waterfall inspired artist Andy Skaff, a plein air painter from California, to set up his paint station at Ranchview and abridge the famous scence of Millionaries hole permanently on canvas. A first time visitor to the area, Skaff is anxious to encapsulate more the area in his art in the future.

A group of hikers enthusiastically approached me about the Elk heard bugeling on Thurmon ridge last night and inquired about the five grizzley bears that have been rumored about in the area as of late.
An increase of anglers between Sage Flats and the Gravel pits have indicated good fishing and warmer temperatures and the September full moon has been keeping them out later. This time of year is appealing to all and reminds me why "the ranch" will always be a place to return to for all.