Henry Winkler enjoying a day on the South Fork this week.
Our phones have been ringing off the hook this week because of the flooding in Yellowstone National Park. The flooding that took place in the northern portion of the park did not affect the South Fork of the Snake. Most of the record precipitation fell in drainages outside of our area and water flowed North or East of the Snake River Drainage. The flows out of Palisades Reservoir are clear and historically about half of our average. Average flows for mid-June is about 15,000 cfs and our current flow is 7,500 cfs.
The clear water and lower flows mean the river is warming up fast and we are starting to see the action picking up. While still mostly a nymphing game we are hearing reports of “bobber eats” and a few persistent anglers fishing dry flies are catching a fish here and there. The fish are starting to look up, especially on the lower river. With warm weather forecasted for the next few days, there is a chance we’ll see a few dry flies popping on the lower river. I would expect to see dry flies certainly next week on the lower river from Byington to Menan.
It’s been cold and wet this Spring but the South Fork is poised for greatness in the coming days.
If you’re heading out this weekend a big rubberlegs trailed by an egg pattern or a little yellow sally nymph would be a good setup. In the afternoon fishing a dry/dropper rig behind log jams, in side channels, etc. may trick a fish or two. Keep your eyes open for Franklin’s Gulls chasing bugs.
Have a great weekend and a Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. Swing by our fly shop in Swan Valley if you need anything and as always feel free to give us a call for a up-to-the-minute fishing report or if you have any questions. 208.483.2727.
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