Just after posting last week’s fishing report the river dropped from 10,000 to 9,000 cfs, now it’s up to nearly 15,000 cfs. Substantial runoff, a rain on snow event on Monday, and rapidly filling reservoir mean a bump in flows. This puts the outflow from Palisades right at average for this time of year and means all those big ugly nymphs and streamers remain in play.
Higher flows mean more banks getting swept clean and side channels refilling so worms are back on the menu as are eggs that get cleaned off spawning beds. The water temp is 51 degrees and we generally see Salmon Flies start to hatch when the temps hit 54 or 55, so we’ve got a ways to go.
If you’re a regular reader of this report you know that when the water goes up it’s time to fish the slow water; side channels, behind rocks and logs, and back eddies. Focus your efforts where the fish can get out of fast moving water and feed comfortably. The difference between an OK fishing day and a good fishing day might be one more piece of split shot.
We have guides available for day trips if you’d like to get out on the water for a great day of fishing and our Swan Valley Fly Shop is fully stocked with everything you need for a successful day on the South Fork. If we can help with anything give us a call 208.483.222 for the lodge and 208.483.2727 for the Fly Shop.
If you would like our weekly fishing report delivered right to your email inbox every Thursday afternoon from May – October. Sign up HERE.