Greetings, fellow anglers! I had the pleasure of fishing the Hams Fork River in Wyoming twice last month—once on April 24th and again with clients on April 30th. This river is one of the best that Wyoming fly fishing has to offer, but Spring is a dynamic time to be out on the water, and the Hams Fork is no exception. Here are my top tips to help you have a successful trip this spring:
1. Find the Soft Water
With spring runoff in full swing, the Hams Fork was high and cold. This means fish are seeking refuge in the slower, deeper pools where they don't have to fight the strong current. On both trips, focusing our efforts on these pockets of soft water was key. Look for areas behind large boulders, inside bends of the river, or any spots where the water slows down. These are the places where the fish will be holding, conserving energy while still actively feeding.
2. Nymphing is the Ticket
Given the conditions, nymphing proved to be the most effective technique. I used a double bounce rig to get my flies down to the fish, which were holding near the bottom. The most productive flies in my box were pink squirmy wormies and large stonefly patterns in sizes 10 and 12. These patterns imitate the aquatic insects that are prevalent this time of year, and their larger size makes them easier for fish to spot in murky water.
3. Tackle the Wind with a 6-Weight Rod
Both days we faced strong winds, which can make casting a challenge. Packing a 6-weight rod made a significant difference. The extra power helped cut through the wind, allowing for more accurate and longer casts. This is especially important when trying to reach those prime fishing spots without spooking the fish. So, make sure to bring a 6-weight rod to handle the blustery spring conditions.
4. Use Heavier Tippet
The water was still pretty murky from the runoff, which means the fish couldn't see as clearly and were less leader-shy. Additionally, the fish in the Hams Fork were big and put up a good fight. To handle these conditions, I used heavier tippet—3x and 4x. This allowed me to confidently fight and land larger fish without worrying about breaking off. Don't be afraid to go up in tippet size during spring; the added strength can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Spring fishing on the Hams Fork River can be incredibly rewarding, but it does come with its own set of challenges. By focusing on soft water, using effective nymphing techniques, packing the right gear to combat the wind, and using heavier tippet, you can increase your chances of a successful and enjoyable trip.
Tight lines, and I hope to see you out on the water soon!
Best,
Alex Dayton
Wyoming Fly Fishing Guide, Cottonwood Fly Fishing
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