Welcome to this week’s fishing report from The Lodge at Palisades Creek. Thanks as always for checking in.
River Conditions
Flows out of Palisades have bumped back up this week with irrigation demand. We held around 9,400 cfs from July 31 through August 4, then jumped to roughly 11,500 cfs on the 5th and bumped again to about 12,000 cfs, where we sit today. Palisades Reservoir is currently at 23% capacity.
That’s a little bit of a shakeup, but it shouldn’t hurt the fishing much now that flows have stabilized. If you were on the water on the 5th, it might have been a different story. A change like this pushes fish around and moves bugs, and this time of year that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Fire & Access Update
The Big Rock Fire near Heise really threw a wrench in things this week. As of Wednesday it’s at roughly 2,200 acres and 22% contained, with about 278 personnel assigned. It’s holding within its existing perimeter and active fire behavior has decreased.
Enormous thanks to the firefighters, emergency personnel, and first responders who jumped on this one. More than 30 homes were threatened and crews held every one of them — the only losses were a shed and a small electrical outbuilding.
River camping is partially open again. Crews secured the eastern flank they were concerned about, and BLM has reopened designated campsites between Conant and Byington. Kelly Island, Wolf Flats, Warm Springs, and all dispersed sites along River Road remain closed through at least August 10, as do the Cress Creek and Stinking Springs trails. Thanks to everyone who held off while the fire team was working — it made a real difference. Here’s a link to the latest public information.
Heise Road remains closed, likely through the weekend. Plan your shuttles accordingly.
The Word From Our Guides
We’re starting to see Mutant Golden Stones coming off in the mornings. These hatch at night and skitter around in the early morning hours, so getting up and launching your boat right at dawn — or just before — and twitching Chernobyl Ants is a South Fork pastime that shouldn’t be missed if you’ve never done it. That window usually wraps up around 10:30 or 11.
Tactics
Nymphing through the middle of the day has been the best tactic. A hopper-dropper is working well, and ants, beetles, and terrestrials are all effective this time of year. We’re still seeing PMDs in the riffles, though the fish are getting pretty picky about them. Caddis and spinner falls in the evening right before dark are worth being on the water for.
Streamers are effective in low light — and for those of you who really love throwing streamers, go for it all day. You might just catch a big one.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
We have a great sale going on online and in store at our Swan Valley Fly shop. I just noticed that one of my favorite patterns is on sale the Duracell...I might stock up.
If you need last-minute lodging, dinner, or a guide, give us a call: 208-483-2222.
We’ll see you on the water.