Hey, crossing our fingers last week for more rain must have worked. I can hear the rain falling as I write this week’s fishing report. The flow out of Palisades reservoir remains unchanged at 13,700 cfs. The river remains higher than average as farmers are needing the water to finish off their hay crop for the season. The higher flows are great for the fishing on the South Fork as it means we have plenty of clear and cool water to keep the trout and bugs happy. Looking at the weather forecast cool/wet weather will remain through the weekend. Fishing this weekend will be a bit more “fall-like”.
Fishing strategies for this weekend.
- If you’re an early riser the mutant golden stones are happening. I would recommend having your boat in the water at first light. Fish chernobyl ant style flies with a twitch. I like to focus my attention on shallow flats and gravel bars especially around islands and riffles.
- If you’re more of an evening angler the caddis hatches have been impressive at dusk and you can just keep on fishing until you can’t see your fly anymore.
- Ants, beetles, and hoppers are working. Hopper dropper on the banks and small ants for picky fish.
- Some of our guides are having the best success going to a straight nymph rig especially during the middle of the day.
- Keep your eyes peeled for blue-winged olives and mahogany duns with the cooler weather.
- Clouds always help the streamer game and I know more than a few avid streamer fishermen will be excited to see this weekend’s weather forecast so they can hunt down a big fish.
Have a fun and safe weekend on the water.
As always if you need anything stop by either of our fly shops in Swan Valley or give us a call. 208.483.2222.
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