Autumn is making its first appearance today, and I’m sad that I’m not on the river. This weather change will result in an increase in fish and bug activity. Streamers in the morning and mayflies in the afternoon—yes, please! Flows are down about 200 cfs as of this morning to an outflow of 8,200 cfs. We’ll see a continuation of small water drops as we move further into fall, opening more and more wade fishing opportunities.
There’s a mixed bag of weather ahead, which will also dictate a mixed bag of flies and tactics. As I mentioned, if you’re out today in the cool and wet weather, the fish will be more aggressively chasing streamers. Depending on the wind, a good hatch of BWO’s and Mahogany Duns is likely. Friday and Saturday look sunny, with wet weather returning on Monday. The warmer/sunny weather will mean a return to some terrestrial fishing; a few mutant golden stones should still be around, especially with the water drop today. Nymphing with small rubber legs trailed with a BWO nymph or soft hackle imitation will work as well. With a high of just 65 on Friday, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a few Mahogany Duns hatching, but fish will certainly be looking for them in their nymph form.
Our fly shop has some great deals on streamers right now, so stock up that box for fall fishing—online or in the store. Now that the bulk of summer is behind us, we do have some availability both in the lodge and for guided day trips. Give us a call, and we’ll get you out on the water: 208.483.2222.
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