Part II of V
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 the 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
Bitch Creek 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 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, Bitch Creek is used as the border separating Fremont County and Teton County. Bitch Creek 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 of Bitch Creek 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 to Bitch Creek. 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. 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 on 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 Bitch Creek home. And chances are you will be alone, never seeing another person’s face the whole day.
The best time to fish Bitch Creek 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. I have added some pics to give you all a better feel of what this little creek is all about, but they don’t quite do it justice.
ENJOY
February 24, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Pete,
Love the write up. It was just what I needed to get through another cold Chicago day! Will have to try my luck there late summer/early fall.
Cheers
Jared
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Chubbs Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
i feel for you man. when you get back over here let me know and i will take you to some sweet spots to catch some big trout.
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February 25, 2009 at 3:00 pm
“Lesser Known” -not for long
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chubbsypeterson Reply:
February 27th, 2009 at 6:49 am
You still dont see many people out there. If you ever want to venture out there let us know and we will hit up the bitch.
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February 25, 2009 at 6:45 pm
That looks like a Fun Bitch
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chubbsypeterson Reply:
February 27th, 2009 at 6:50 am
And How.
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February 25, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Chubbs is that the trail that some guides drag their pontoon boats down to float the teton? I think we sould add the bitch to the frenzy in the next couple years.
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chubbsypeterson Reply:
February 27th, 2009 at 6:51 am
That is the one. It is a great little fishery. One of my favorites.
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February 27, 2009 at 11:16 am
I was kidding but I have always wanted to float the Teton, just as long as someone else does the repelling of the boat, looks like a wild launch!
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March 4, 2010 at 9:30 am
Hey guys,great article. I love the out of the way streams. I am over in Missoula and after 30 years of bustin my tail building houses I am taking the current economic slowdown to get back into fly fishing.
I hit a couple nice nameless North Central Idaho Creeks last fall and just slayed the cutts.
I had a couple questions on Bitch Creek access. I am 52 in decent shape but had to have my hip done when I was 45. The hip is fine now and i can hike all day but how bad is the hike in to the creek? If I come down , I’ll bring the Moose Drool. Thanks for your help.
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April 30, 2010 at 9:47 pm
thx for this info. I’m in Denver and looking to take an east coaster on a 3 day mission somewhere remote. Do you know if this is still accessible or have any property issues closed the hiking access? I know you said it’s remote but is there road access every few miles, or can you commit to a major hike upstream and fish it for 2-3 days on your way out? Thx for any help. Want to find a great, low pressure spot.
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chubbsypeterson Reply:
May 3rd, 2010 at 11:46 am
tim, the best access is going to be the bridge that crosses over Bitch Creek on HWY 32 (connects Teton county idaho to Ashton idaho). you can park right there off the bridge and walk downstream. you will want to walk a ways down stream and it should be great depending on when you go. if you go anytime in the next 3-5 weeks you will most likely get the runoff which will put a damper on your fishing. mid june on is fantastic.
let us know how it goes!
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May 17, 2011 at 12:03 pm
Any pattern recommendations for fishing mid August on Bitch Creek. Wondering how the terrestrials or PMD’s fish on the creek during that time? Don’t mind throwing a stone but after awhile nymphing I feel like a human windshield wiper…
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July 5, 2012 at 7:01 am
You forgot the part about the rattlesnakes…..
just mentioning this as a caution.
Last time I was “down there”, we encountered several grumpy vipers sunning themselves around rock formations and fallen timber.
Just another practical use for a wading staff…poking the path ahead to flush the snakes.
And when will anyone write about Conant Creek, certainly the least known of the lesser knowns?
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May 15, 2013 at 4:30 am
Beautiful place, aptly named, though… Was there Sept 2012. Here’s what it looks like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR1gexO9ao8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Bob
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