Flows on the South Fork dropped this week to 12,000 cfs at the same time the tributary streams began to clear and drop as runoff tapered. The fish and insects seem to know that it’s almost time for greatness and the fishing picked up considerably this week. It’s still a nymph or streamer game with the only hatches being Midges and a few Blue Winged Olives.
We are seeing more fish eating big stonefly nymph imitations signaling that the Salmonfly Hatch is nearing. I have seen Salmon Flies on Father’s Day before when floating Lorenzo to Menan so it’s possible with some warm weather we’ll see some big bugs soon.
Until then the aforementioned rubberlegs is a good choice trailed with a dropper to initiate Midges or Blue Winged Olives. Tungsten Thread Midges are effective as are a variety of Perdigons and Euro Jig style nymphs.
The water is clear throughout the system and if you’re a good nymph angler the fishing is going to be very good in the coming days. It’s a great time to be on the water before the crowds show up to chase the “big bugs.”
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