We hope everyone had a great 4th of July and you got a chance to spend time with family and fishy friends.
Our amazing string of warm sunny days continues warranting a dip in the river to cool off now and then and man does that wet wading feel good! The most anticipated hatch of the year, Salmon Flies, are marching their way up the river now hatching in the canyon section and should make an appearance in Conant Valley and above soon. It seems like the best way to approach the fishing report this week is by section.
- Section 1 aka “The Upper” from Palisades Dam to Conant: Salmon Flies should start emerging here soon. The water is still very cold coming out of the dam, I even saw some Blue Winged Olives hatching this weekend…brrr. There are a few PMD’s and Little Yellow Sallies hatching but no surface feeders yet. The nymph fishing is very good with a Stonefly Nymph trailed by your favorite bead head dropper being a solid choice. Bead heads that imitate PMD’s and Little Yellow Sallies such as Duracell’s, Lightning Bugs, and Pheasant Tails. The bugs start hatching in the afternoon and the fish get most active.
- Sections 2 & 3 Conant to Byington: If you’re looking for bugs this is the place to be. Salmon Flies, PMD’s, Sallies, and a few Green Drakes are hatching daily here. Fishing from 1:00 to 4:00 is particularly good during the peak of the hatch.
- Section 4: Byington to Lorenzo: It’s never a bad idea to fish behind the hatch. There are still daily hatches of PMD’s and Sallies plus the fish will still eat a well-placed Salmon Fly and or Golden Stone.
Remember pack your patience, pack out your trash, respect other anglers on the water and at the ramps, have fun, and catch fish.
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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*Photo credit: Guide Tanner Lewis @river_rat_208 on Instagram.