The snow hasn’t quite reached the valley floor here in Swan Valley but it’s close and checking area webcams there is a good amount of snow accumulating in the mountains. If you’re on the river today or heading to the river, streamers should be top of mind, it’s cold, it’s dark and it’s time to get nasty. You should also expect to see some Blue Winged Olives and Mahogany Duns hatching this afternoon if it doesn’t rain too hard.
The weekend weather is looking mostly sunny and 15 degrees warmer than today. This will slow the streamer fishing so focus on mornings and evenings. I would plan on having BWO and Mahogany patterns in all life cycles (nymphs before the hatch, emergers, and dry flies during.) A rubberlegs can still be a good choice as well with fish looking for a big meal before winter.
The flow out of Palisades is 2,800 CFS. At this flow your normal summer day trip float will take much longer so consider a shorter float or taking some time to cover water quickly during the day. If you don’t have a boat this is the best time to be out wading the South Fork with lots of access available for those willing to walk a bit.
Have a great weekend and don’t forget to stop in and shop our Fall Sale at our Swan Valley Fly Shop.
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