Thank you for checking in on the last fishing report for September. September is leaving us with some fantastic weather, that just might be a bit too nice for the best “catching” but it sure does make for some pleasant days “fishing”. Palisades reservoir has been drawn down to 7% capacity which according to the B.O.R. is within 1% of the record low for this date. The current flow out of Palisades is just a bit off-color, but much clearer than in years past at this level and has not affected the fishing. Shayde Stotts, our Reservations Manager described it aptly as “Steelhead Green” as it passes the lodge. The water does clear up substantially as you get down into the lower reaches of the river. The B.O.R. is planning on keeping the flow at or around 6,000 cfs through October and then dropping the flow to winter level, probably 900 cfs.
The fishing is holding up well. We are still finding fish on hopper/dropper rigs, full nymph rigs, and dry flies. While the sunny weather does inhibit the mayfly hatches we are still seeing decent hatces of Blue Winged Olives each day. Nymphing with BWO patterns before and after the hatch has been effective. Black and Green Perdigon Darts and Frenchies have been go-to patterns this fall and those are in stock at our fly shop in Swan Valley. You’ll want to have some BWO dry fly patterns on hand as well for the afternoon hatch; Parachute BWO’s, Purple Haze etc.
The Indian Summer looks to continue for the foreseeable future so the tactics and techniques from the fishing report the past several weeks all apply. While our guides and guests are having good success each day, keep your eyes on the next cloudy cool day as that day will sure to be the best day in weeks. If you have questions please give us a call; Swan Valley Fly Shop: 208.483.2727 or The Lodge Fly Shop 208.483.2222, or come visit us for all the gear you might need.
Tight lines!