Fishing on the South Fork of the Snake is as good as it gets right now. Salmon Flies are working their way up towards the Dam and the main hatch should reach the Dam this weekend. Salmon Flies, Little Yellow Sallies, and PMD’s are all hatching, making banks, riffles, foam lines all prime places to drop your fly. The fish are eating “big foam” bugs on nearly the entire river with the best action being from Irwin to Byington.
If there is one fly in the ointment it’s the 16,200 cfs coming out of the dam. While the water is cold and clear it is up this week as farmers downstream call for the water, this means tougher rowing, wading, and casting. If you’re fishing big bugs you’ve got to keep them really close to the bank. If the person rowing your boat really knows what he/she is doing to slow the boat down and get you in the right spot this will pay big dividends. The photo of TLAPC guide Scott Reimer above is evidence of this.
It looks to be another great weekend ahead. Stay cool, stay hydrated, pack your patience and respect for other anglers and river users, and most of all…Have fun!
We’ve got all the gear, flies, advice, and shuttle help you might need at either fly shop here in Swan Valley. Our new fly shop located next to the new grocery store in Swan Valley is open seven days a week.
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