Flows dropped this week to just below 5,000 cfs opening up a lot of wade fishing opportunities and moving the fish out and away from all those bushes you’ve been losing flies in all summer haha. The drop in the water resulted in an excellent hatch of mutant golden stones, which kept the fish looking up for big foamy patterns especially in the mornings. The mutant golden stones emerge at night and use their stubby wings to “hovercraft” across the surface of the water. Waking up early and fishing this pattern with a twitch is an experience that shouldn’t be missed if you’re an avid angler on the South Fork.
I would imagine anglers on the river today will have good luck fishing golden stones with a small dropper. A tungsten thread midge in olive or brown size 18 is always a top producer this time of year. Tomorrow and this weekend will be a different story with rain and cooler temps in the forecast that might put a damper on the golden stones. The good and even great news is the change in weather will bring off hatches of Blue Winged Olives and Mahogany Duns. I’m sure our guides will be switching tactics and fishing streamers in the morning before the dry flies hatch in the afternoons. Should be a great weekend for fishing so grab your raincoat and an extra layer and go get em!
Speaking of extra layers, our huge fly shop sale continues with clothing and equipment up to 75% off. We’ve got all the flies you need for a successful weekend as well so come see us.