If you read last Thursday’s report you’re probably all set. I was thinking I could just copy/paste last week’s fishing report but that would be pretty lame right? So let’s take a look at this week’s report.
River Flow: Palisades reservoir is 87% full, down 4% from last week as inflows drop. The outflow has also dropped from 11,500 cfs to 9,700 cfs. This is an ideal flow and the water remains cold and gin clear.
Weather: Similar to last week’s report the fishing was best on Tuesday with the cloud cover and rain. If you’ve never experienced a mid-summer cloudy fishing day on the South Fork I’d recommend dropping everything the next time you see a good cloudy day in the forecast. There aren’t any clouds in the current forecast but don’t fret fishing is still solid any time of day right and especially good early in the morning and late in the evening.
Fishing and Flies: From the Dam to Menan you’ll find good hatches of Golden Stones, PMD’s, and Caddis. (as well as some terrestrials out and about) Standard summer flies and tactics apply with a dry/dropper rig being the most popular set up for our guides. A nice foam Golden Stone pattern trailed by a dropper like a Duracell Jig or Pheasant Tail Jig has been productive. A second rod rigged for riffles and foam lines with a PMD pattern like a Sparkle Dun trailed with a PMD emerger is recommended. If it’s really hot, bright, with no dry flies present a double nymph rig will fill in the slow times. Focus your nymphing efforts in riffles, foam lines and in the shady spots along the river.
- Dry Flies – Golden Stones, PMD’s, Caddis, it’s not too soon to try some terrestrials like small hoppers, ants, and beetles.
- Nymphs – Bead head and jig style pheasant tails, durcells etc. Come by the shop and we’ll set you up with the best ones. A two nymph rig is also a great set up for beginners as you have equal shots at catching trout or a whitefish.
- Streamers – We haven’t had too many anglers throwing streamers but those who have, have caught some nice fish. I would focus on streamer fishing during the low light times of the day.
Come visit us at the shop or call if you need anything 208.483.2222. Our fly shop is fully stocked with all the flies you might need for a successful day and all the other gear you might need. Thanks for reading and have a good time on the water.