South Fork Fishing Report – July 17, 2025
The South Fork of the Snake is in peak summer form, with daily hatches lighting up the river from the Dam to Menan and beyond. Flows have dropped slightly this week to 12,200 cfs, and with Palisades Reservoir holding at 76% capacity, conditions are just about perfect—clear, cool water and sunny skies. If you love dry fly fishing in sandals, this is your moment.
The Salmon Fly hatch is winding down, with a few lingering bugs near the Dam, but the spotlight now shifts to Golden Stones—more prolific, longer-lasting, and ready to keep the action going for weeks. Add in consistent PMD hatches and thick evening caddis activity, and there’s no shortage of reasons to be on the water.
When targeting fish feeding on PMDs, be sure to carry a variety of Cripples and Emergers. Depending on water type, pressure, and—dare we say—a trout’s “personal preference,” they often key in on specific stages of the hatch. Brody has the patterns you need at our Swan Valley Fly Shop, and if you can’t swing by, you can always order online.
Have a great time out there—and be safe!