The weather always plays a role in what the fishing will be like on any given day. This time of year we can run into the “Dog Days of Summer” or as our friend Dave Deardorff calls it the “Severe Clear”. With high temperatures forecasted to get into the 90s today anglers fishing in the middle of the day will probably experience a bit of lull in the action. This can be warded off by nymphing. I especially like to fish two small nymphs and get technical with the fish. Small soft hackles, CDC emergers, and tungsten euro-jig style nymphs fished in size 16-20 fairly deep below an indicator will get the fish’s attention. A lot of guides like to throw small rubber-legged stonefly nymphs to imitate a Mutant Golden Stone.
Anglers who fish early in the morning can target the Mutant Golden Stone hatch (see last week’s report) and late evening anglers have Caddis and usually a Spinner Fall as well. Don’t overlook the terrestrials, especially with some cloud cover when the fish start looking up.
The weekend weather is looking cooler with good chances for precipitation. With a cooler wetter pattern, the attention will shift back to more dry fly fishing; terrestrials, golden stones, PMDs, and maybe even a few BWO’s. Streamer fishermen will also rejoice with low light and wet conditions.
The South Fork is truly serving up something for everyone right now. Have a great weekend on the river. As always if you need a guide, a great meal, or want to stay with us, we are just a phone call away at 208.483.2222. For flies, tackle, and great last-minute fishing tips swing by our Swan Valley Fly Shop and talk to Brody.
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