South Fork Fishing Report – Week of September 11, 2025
Flows out of Palisades Reservoir are steady at 8,000 cfs, with the reservoir sitting at 18% capacity. Fishing remains very good, and anglers have solid options across the board—dry flies, streamers, and nymphs. Here’s the breakdown:
Dry Flies
With no hard freeze yet, terrestrials are still in play. Hoppers, ants, and beetles continue to bring fish up. That said, trout have seen plenty of artificial bugs this summer, so accurate casts, long drifts, and targeting less-pressured water will improve your odds.
There are still reports of Mutant Golden Stones turning fish, but this is an early-morning game. Launch at dawn, twitch your favorite tan Chubby or Chernobyl Ant pattern, and if the fish aren’t responding, switch to streamers until the sun gets higher. On cooler, cloudy days, keep an eye out for Mahogany Duns and Blue Winged Olives.
Streamers
Streamer fishing is best early and late in the day or anytime the skies are overcast. With a few cloudy days in the forecast, this could be a productive option for anglers looking for big browns on the chase.
Nymphs
Nymphing remains the most consistent method right now, especially on sunny afternoons. Guides are finding success with two small beadheads imitating Mahogany Duns and Blue Winged Olives. Alternatives include a beadhead with a trailing soft hackle or emerger, or a rubber legs paired with a small beadhead.
Stop by the Fly Shop
For the latest hot flies, stop in and see Brody at our Swan Valley Fly Shop. You can also order online, and he’ll ship your selections right to your door.
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