New monitoring technology brings a clearer picture of Island Park Reservoir—and new possibilities for the Henry’s Fork.

It started with a massive crate in the Henry’s Fork Foundation parking lot.

After a summer of troubleshooting, learning new technology, testing equipment, and plenty of problem-solving, HFF’s newest water-quality monitoring buoy made its way onto Island Park Reservoir in September. What may look like a simple piece of equipment floating on the water represents an exciting step forward in our ability to understand—and ultimately improve—the conditions affecting the Henry’s Fork fishery.

Island Park Reservoir plays a critical role in the health of the Henry’s Fork. Its water temperature, clarity, and oxygen levels directly influence trout habitat in the reservoir and the river downstream. As warmer temperatures and changing water conditions create new challenges, understanding what happens beneath the surface is more important than ever.

That’s where the buoy comes in.

Equipped with specialized monitoring instruments, the buoy collects hourly water-quality measurements at different depths, giving HFF scientists a much more detailed picture of conditions throughout the reservoir. Information is transmitted remotely and made available through HFF’s Island Park Reservoir web application, helping anglers, water managers, and other river users access timely information.

As HFF Field and Lab Coordinator Joe Hively explains, “We’re going from taking a snapshot once a week to watching the reservoir change throughout the day. That’s a pretty exciting jump in what we’re able to understand.”

The buoy is an important addition to HFF’s DIRTT Plan (Developing Infrastructure to Reduce Temperature and Turbidity), a science-based effort to improve water quality in Island Park Reservoir and the Henry’s Fork downstream. Better information allows us to better understand the challenges, anticipate changing conditions, and develop river-specific solutions.

This progress is made possible through conservation partnerships. We’re grateful for the support of Bass Pro Shops and the Johnny Morris Fish Habitat Conservation Fund, along with the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) Beyond the Pond and Friends of Reservoirs. Their commitment to healthy fisheries and science-based conservation is helping advance our understanding of Island Park Reservoir and the work needed to protect it.

A healthier river begins with understanding it. Thanks to this shared investment in conservation, we’re taking another important step forward.

Learn more about HFF’s DIRTT Plan.