Welcome to the first fishing report of the 2026 season! We’re glad to have you back — and if this is your first time reading, thanks for checking in.
The South Fork has continued to fish well this spring. Flows out of Palisades Dam bumped up to 6,500 cfs this morning, and the reservoir is sitting at 61% — a solid pre-runoff level that bodes well for summer water supply. Clarity is good on the main river, though keep an eye on tributary inputs if we get a warm afternoon.
Water temps are still cold — mid-30s to low-40s — which means the fish are holding deep and feeding in slow water. Your best bet right now is to focus on the warmest part of the day and concentrate on slower water types: buckets, tailouts, holes, seams, and eddies. If you’re floating, don’t be afraid to skip fast banks and riffles entirely. Row into those deep, slow pools and take your time — if you find one fish, there are likely more in that same stretch. We are also starting to see some Rainbows on their redds which means egg patterns like the Blob are becoming effective.
Weather & Weekend Outlook
Friday looks like the most comfortable day to be on the water this week, so if you can sneak out, take advantage. The weekend is calling for rain and cooler temps — not the most pleasant conditions for the angler, but the fish won’t mind one bit. Overcast skies and rain are a streamer fisherman’s dream this time of year. If you’re willing to layer up and embrace the weather, the streamer bite should be noticeably better Saturday and Sunday with that cloud cover pushing fish into a more aggressive mood.
Hatches & Tactics
Hatch activity is still limited to midges and some early BWOs. When you see fish rising, they’re likely sipping tiny stuff, so think small — sizes 18–22. A Zebra Midge under a small indicator is a great way to search slow water, and if you spot risers on a cloudy afternoon, tie on a Parachute BWO or a Griffiths Gnat and dead-drift it through the seam.
For most of the day though, you’ll want to be subsurface. Double nymph rigs are the play — a heavy tungsten jig like a Frenchie on point with a Pheasant Tail or Perdigon dropper will get you into the zone and the same applies for egg and worm patterns. The key is getting your flies down and keeping them there. Target the tails of pools, inside seams below boulders, and any deep pocket water you can find.
Streamer fishing can also be productive, but remember — low and slow. This isn’t the time for hard strips. Work a weighted sculpin pattern or an articulated streamer along cut banks and boulder tails with slow, measured pulls and long pauses. Afternoon warming windows and that last hour of daylight tend to produce the most aggressive takes — and with rain in the forecast this weekend, don’t be surprised if that window stretches wider.
Fly Shop Picks
Brody has the shop dialed for spring fishing right now and we’ve got the flies you need to have a fun day on the river. Stop by the Swan Valley Fly Shop if you need to restock or want the latest intel.
Guides & Lodge
Our guides are available for day trips throughout April — it’s a great time to get out before the crowds arrive. If you’ve been thinking about booking, give us a call give us a call 208.483.2222. The lodge itself opens May 1st for the season, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Swan Valley.
Floating options are available now, so get out there and enjoy spring on the South Fork. Dress in layers, fish the warm windows, and if the weekend weather cooperates — grab a streamer rod.
Tight lines, The Lodge at Palisades Creek
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