The weather, stable outflow, and excellent water clarity are combining to make this June one of the best I can remember. While pretty much all the action is sub-surface the fishing has been excellent. The water is so clear we’re actually seeing fish feed in riffles, little flashes in the shallow water are giving them away.
The flow out of Palisades Dam has been stable at 12,900 cfs all week as the reservoir slowly fills cresting 90% this week and currently sitting at 91% full. It’s likely that the reservoir will fill soon or be really close before irrigation demands start the drawdown for the summer. If you’ve been reading these fishing reports in the past you’ll know that starting the summer with a full reservoir ensures that we’ll have great fishing all season long.
If you’re headed out on the South Fork this weekend plan on nymphs being your best set up for success along with streamers in certain areas. A two-fly nymph rig with a rubberlegs and B.W.O. imitation has been producing really well. We are still seeing quite a few B.W.O.’s out especially on the upper river.
Top flies this week:
- Pat’s Rubber Legs or Cheater Belly Stone in size 4, 6, and 8 to imitate Salmon Fly and Golden Stone nymphs.
- Duracells, Olive Perdigons, Tungsten thread midges in Brown, Olive, and Red size 16, 18, and 20 to imitate BWO’s and other small mayfly nymphs.
- For streamers throw your favorite one (Sex Dungeon, Double Bunney, etc.) and if they don’t chase it switch colors until they do.
Water temps are on the rise but still not up to the 54-55 degree mark we need to see the Salmon Flies but with more warm weather on the way for late this weekend I’m thinking we’ll see an early hatch this year. I’m predicting the first Salmon Flies near Menan in a week?? Time will tell.
Flies, licenses, shuttles, gear, clothing etc. are available at both our Swan Valley shop and the shop at the lodge. You can arrange a shuttle by calling 208-483-2727.
Catch a big one!
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