This week’s report is coming to you a day early — drafted Wednesday morning, as I’ll be out of town the rest of the week.
River Conditions
Flows on the South Fork dropped overnight from 10,200 cfs to about 9,500 cfs out of Palisades Dam. Palisades Reservoir currently sits at 11% capacity. We’re starting to see a little turbidity in the water coming out of the dam — this varies day by day depending on conditions in the reservoir, and the water clears up substantially as you move downstream. Cooler, wet weather is in the forecast, which should shake things up in all the right ways.
The Word From Our Guides
We’re still seeing Mutant Stone action — on the surface in the mornings and subsurface in the afternoons with small stonefly nymphs. And with the cooler, wet weather headed our way, we’re expecting a good chance of Blue Winged Olives and Mahoganies making their appearance. That same weather window also sets up a great opportunity for streamer fishing. Several of our guides have had great success fishing smaller streamer patterns lately — even during the bright sun — so don’t be afraid to keep one rigged.
Tactics: Mutant Mornings, Fall Bugs on Deck
Fish the Mutant Stone dries early while the light is low, then switch to small stonefly nymphs subsurface as the afternoon wears on. If you find yourself out on a sunnier, brighter day — today, Thursday, or Friday morning — hopper dropper is still the name of the game, or run a double nymph rig through the deeper water. When the clouds and rain arrive, be ready with your BWO and Mahogany patterns, and give the streamer rod some real time on the water. Smaller streamer patterns have been moving fish, and the overcast conditions should only improve that bite.
Looking Ahead
The cooler, wet stretch in the forecast could be a hint of fall on the South Fork — and with it comes some of the best technical dry fly fishing of the year. Keep an eye on those cloudy afternoons; that’s when the Blue Winged Olives and Mahoganies will carpet the water.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
As always, if you need any fishing gear or just have a couple of questions, feel free to swing by our Swan Valley Fly Shop or give us a call at 208.483.2727. You can also shop anytime at tlapcflyshop.com.
And if you’d like to book a trip this fall or have questions about lodging or a guide, give the lodge a call at 208.483.2222. We hope to see you out on the river.
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