A quick note on this fishing report is for this week and next week as I’ll be on a family vacation next week.
Fishing has been good on the South Fork as the water warms the fish and bugs are getting more active. There have been no reports of dry fly fishing but we should see Little Yellow Sallies, Green Drakes, and Salmon Flies soon on the lower South Fork. I would imagine by the time I’m back from my trip the dry fly fishing will be in full swing.
Palisades Reservoir currently sits at 99% full with an outflow of 12,200 cfs. The inflow to the reservoir is just over 14,000 cfs so if the reservoir fills we could see a bump in flows, or the timing might be perfect. Either way, a small bump shouldn’t affect the fishing or delay the hatch much.
If I was headed to the river this weekend or next weekend I’d pack a full arsenal of nymphs that imitate Sallies, Green Drakes, and Salmon Flies. If you’ve fished the pre-hatch before you know the fish gorge on the nymphs before they ever bother “looking up”. Focus your nymphing efforts where the bugs will hatch first. Sallies and Salmon Flies like to emerge on rocky banks, cliffs and log jams. Green Drakes come off in riffles and foam lines. I would also make sure to pack your dry flies as well and keep your fingers crossed for some warm afternoons that will help the bugs “pop”. If it does get warm and sunny keep an eye out in the side channels or long stretches of shallow water, these areas will warm up first and get the first good hatches. Early on in the dry fly season like this sometimes you only find one or maybe two places where fish are eating dry flies, but then the next day you find three or four, and before you know it the entire river is “going off”.
If you’re a dedicated streamer angler, streamers are always an option, the fish pictured above was caught on a streamer yesterday.
We do have availability for both lodging and guided fishing, please call for the latest days and guides available. 208.483.2222 If you need flies, tackle, clothing, etc. swing by our fully stocked fly shop by the new grocery store in Swan Valley.
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