The Salmon Flies continue their march upriver and are now pushing through the canyon with a few big bugs even seen at our Swan Valley Fly Shop. We are also seeing PMD’s, Sallies, and Green Drakes. All of these bugs have proven to be too much of a good thing as several of our guides and guests have come back to the lodge with reports of the most bugs they’ve ever seen on the water but no fish eating them. The fish can only eat so much and it can be really frustrating when this happens. We might actually have better fishing as the hatch tapers and the fish get hungry again.
The dry fly fishing remains the best in the afternoons from the Canyon all the way to Menan and I would expect the upper river to fish well this weekend as the upper river finally warms up. Keep in mind that boat ramps and the river, in general, will have more anglers than normal. Bring your dry flies, manners, and all your safety gear. Savvy anglers will be fishing the margins ie launching after lunch and fishing until dark or less traveled waters like Lorenzo to Menan. One last tip that I’ve found useful this week is, because of the slower and lower water in the side channels the water warms there faster and the bugs will start moving there sooner.
Have another great July weekend! Please come visit us in our Swan Valley fly shop next to the new gas station and store for all your angling needs. We have an excellent selection of flies, leaders, lines, and clothing. If you need an up-to-the-minute report call the shop at 208.483.2727 or the lodge 208.483.2222.
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