Snow has graced the high peaks this week, and now the sun is out. It was a wet few days that brought us great streamer fishing and afternoon hatches of Blue-Winged Olives and Mahogany Duns. The next few days will have that “Indian Summer” vibe, with clear blue skies and temperatures working their way into the high 60s/low 70s. Absolutely perfect fall weather.
Flows are down to 6,900 cfs as of this morning. The water is very clear, and at this flow, there are plenty of opportunities for wade fishing. The summer hatches have mostly wrapped up. The Mutant Golden Stones and terrestrials are still around, but we’ll see that slowly come to an end as we get our first overnight freezes. It’s still worth throwing big foam ants to imitate the mutants, especially in the morning. You can also expect big foam hoppers to get some eats. I’d be sure to trail those hoppers with your favorite BWO nymph in size 16 or 18. Cracked Back BWOs and Tereyla’s Jig are two good options.
Temperatures should be cool enough that some BWOs and Mahogany Duns will be hatching in the afternoons, though not in the numbers you would see on a cloudy day. I’d search for these fish in flats, foam lines, and generally slower-moving water than you’d fish in mid-summer.
If you’re a streamer guy or gal, then you already know that streamers are always an option!
Fall is arguably the best time to be on the South Fork. The fishing is a bit more technical but also more rewarding. There are far fewer people on the river, the sky and water seem even clearer, and the changing of the leaves is magic.
Have fun out there!
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