I’m not sure if winter is refusing to give up or if spring is refusing to arrive but the National Weather Service just posted a Winter Weather Advisory for tomorrow in Swan Valley. The forecast looks a bit better for Saturday and Sunday but still unseasonably cold.
The cold and wet weather is great news in the long run for our reservoirs, native trout and summer fishing. Every cold and wet day we have this time of year just means we’ll have one more day of exceptional fishing this summer. The snowpack above Palisades Reservoir currently sits at 118% (or 18% more than average) with surrounding watersheds at 122% and above. Palisades Reservoir is currently at 40% capacity and should fill easily this year with abundant snow melt.
Ok now on to the fishing. With the weather and flows basically the same so far this April nothing has changed as far as fishing tactics and techniques. Fish are still in “winter mode” holding in slower water. Focus your efforts on deep slow holes, eddies, and foam lines. Midges are on the menu and possibly a few winter stoneflies. Nymphing with small Rubberlegs, Zebra Midges, and San Juan Worms are a good place to start. Tactical nymph fishermen are doing well on small midge nymphs and emergers. Streamers will get some fish to move when fished deep and slow.
Wade fishing options are abundant and the following ramps are accessible; Dam, Husky’s, Irwin Slide, Spring Creek Bridge, Conant, Wolf, Byington, Lorenzo, and Menan.
The Idaho Fish and Game will begin their rainbow trout suppression efforts on April 25th. They have detailed information available here.
Our Swan Valley Fly Shop is open daily and we’re having a huge fly sale online or in the store.
If you’re interested in a guided trip, we’d love to fish with you. We have guides available for day trips until the lodge opens next month. To book a trip call 208.483.2222.
Happy Fishing
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