Fly Fishing Idaho, Lesser Known River Bitch Creek

Not only are the rivers in Idaho spectacular fly fishing, but there are also an abundant amount of creeks that deliver up beautiful native trout. Bitch creek is one of those lesser known creeks that is spectacular.

Idaho Fly Fishing in Bitch Creek Who knows how Bitch Creek got its name, but us Frenziers have our theory. There are 2 access points to fish on Bitch Creek that I will elaborate on further, but the one access point that we usually fish is very steep and quite a hike to get down. Worse than the hike down, is the ridiculous hike out. We have always stated, that once you get down you are good, but it is a Bitch to get out. Hence the name Bitch Creek.

The Creek

The River begins as two separate forks that eventually join just before the Idaho border in Wyoming. North Bitch Creek begins just north of Moose Mountain. South Bitch Creek begins just north of Dry Ridge Mountain both peaks in the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The two creeks meander out of the mountains and eventually meet about 5 miles due east from the Idaho/Wyoming border forming Bitch Creek. Just before it crosses into Idaho the Jackpine Creek also dumps into Bitch Creek. Once in Idaho, it is used as the border separating Fremont County and Teton County. It runs through spectacular canyon settings before it eventually dumps into the Teton River northwest of Driggs, Idaho. Bitch creek is itself only about 15 miles long. The north and south forks add an additional 8 - 10 miles, but the prime fishing waters is only about 12 - 15 miles.

Location Bitch Creek is located in Southeast Idaho originating north of the beautiful Tetons. It passes through a part of the Jedediah Smith Wilderness before entering Idaho and continuing its journey through the Caribou Targhee National Forest. Needless to say it doesn't lack beauty.

As I previously mentioned, there are two main access points. The most prominent is located on Highway 32 just north of the booming metropolis of Felt Idaho. Highway 32 is a connector highway from Ashton, Idaho to Tetonia Idaho. To get there you take Hwy 33 out of Rexburg, Idaho towards Driggs and just before Tetonia Idaho take Hwy 32 north. North of Felt Idaho Hwy 32 crosses Bitch Creek. There is a pull off where you can park and hike down to the creek either upstream or downstream. I personally have never fished upstream. The second access point is a favorite of the frenzy group and a place that has delivered up some of the largest cutthroat trout I have ever caught. To get here take Hwy 32 out of Ashton Idaho towards Tetonia and you will pass a small town called Drummond Idaho (Famous for the Drummond Bar). Just past Drummond about 2 miles you will see a dirt road to the south called 4350 E. It is recognizable by the two fence structures that adorn both sides of the road. It will seem that you are entering a farmers yard because of the farmhouses and sheds you will pass, but continue on and the dirt road begins to get more narrow eventually ending at the edge of a steep canyon. Looking down the canyon is vast contrast from the large grain fields that you pass as you get here. Once here, you will see over the canyon two converging water systems that flow into one. This is where Bitch Creek dumps into the Teton River. Even though I have been to this spot many times I still seem to get lost every other time. It is a tricky spot to find, but once found is some of the best small creek fishing you will ever find. As a side note, please respect the landowners/farmers properties by staying on the dirt roads that allow us fisherman access to these beautiful spots.

Fishing

Fishing Bitch Creek is unlike any other fishery I've been to. The access is difficult and the hike to the creek is even worse, but all this adds to the feeling that you are the only one within miles of these fish that call it home. And chances are you will be alone, never seeing another person's face the whole day.

I first experienced this Creek about 12 years ago when Marc Crapo took me there. Since then, I have tried to go every summer and I have consistently pulled 17 - 18 inch Cutts from this little creek. When I arrive at the confluence of the Teton and Bitch, I always move upstream the Bitch. The creek has great pools and runs around every corner. If you don't force yourself to stop, you could find yourself never leaving because of the 'just around the next corner' syndrome that this creek creates.

The best time to fish is after spring runoff from mid June on. Yetter, Gene Simmons, and I found out the hard way on Frenzy 1 back in 2002. I have mostly fished sub surface with stone fly nymphs mainly the famous Bitch Creek nymph. Standards such as pheasant tails, hares ears, and prince nymphs always work well. Hopper patterns have also proven very productive.

If you are looking for the perfect place to catch big Cutts with virtually no pressure then Bitch Creek is your place.

Aaron Peterson is the owner and operator of the http://www.flyfishingfrenzy.com blog. He has been involved in fly fishing for over 20 years. His experience in writing about Fly Fishing Trips have taken him all over the United States, and some destinations out of the US. Find out more about clogging at http://www.flyfishingfrenzy.com - dedicated to "fly fishing!"

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About Aaron Peterson

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Aaron has always had a love for the outdoors, especially fly fishing. He took up fly fishing at age 14 and has fueled that passion ever since. His favorite place to fish is Southeast...