Immortalized in the 1970s and 80s by legendary authors such as Charles Brooks and Ernest Schwiebert, the Ranch’s fame rests on its reputation for big, selective trout, prolific hatches, and extraordinary natural surroundings. This nine mile stretch of the Henry’s Fork is an icon in the world of American fly fishing.
The reputation and popularity of the Ranch have led to it being the focus of more than two decades’ worth of scientific inquiry. The dozens of studies that have been completed in and around the Ranch have created a wealth of knowledge about the fishery, and led to significant efforts aimed at its improvement. But, like many great trout fisheries in the western United States, the Ranch is the product of a complex set of natural and manmade influences, and the quality of angling has fluctuated widely over the years. Now, by the accounts of many anglers, the Ranch fishery has been declining for several years, that decline measured in terms of fewer trout, less robust hatches, and loss of habitat.
With this in mind, the Henry’s Fork Foundation (HFF) has begun the Caldera Project, named for the 28 mile section of river from Island Park Dam to Mesa Falls that includes the Ranch. The HFF will assess what we know about this great fishery and evaluate resource management in light of that knowledge. We will also identify what we do not know, and determine if, and if so how, we could better manage these waters. In addressing these questions we will also examine and summarize the body of existing research that has been conducted in the Caldera to date. The basic project elements for 2008 include a scientific literature review, angler surveys, fish population estimates, fish passage monitoring, and print and web-based educational outreach.
Project partners include the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and the project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ishiyama Foundation and the Marine Ventures Foundation. We also, of course, will rely on our long history of cooperation with Harriman State Park.
| Henry's Fork Caldera Project Blog | Marine Ventures Blog |
| This Week in the Caldera |
| Research and Restoration |
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Caldera Project Brochure (997KB) | |
Caldera Project Assessment (2MB) |
A Special Thank to our Sponsors:
Ishiyama Foundation
Marine Ventures Foundation
Project Partners:
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Harriman State Park
