River Conditions
Flows on the South Fork are running at 14,000 cfs out of Palisades Dam. Palisades Reservoir currently sits at 34% capacity and is dropping roughly a percent per day right now. Weather is shaping up to be a bit more pleasant this week — about ten degrees cooler than this time last week — with a good chance of afternoon thundershowers. Pack a raincoat and be ready for it. Those cooler temps, clouds, and rain will only improve the fishing. Hot, sunny days still fish well, but they’re not ideal for dry fly fishing, so this shift in the forecast is a welcome one.
The Word From Our Guides
If you’re on the water in the morning, fish Caddis or streamers in the low light. Once the bright sun is on the water, nymphs have been the best tactic. We’re seeing good afternoon PMD hatches, but the fish in the riffles have been worked over pretty hard and they’re getting picky and smart. It might take a few tries — different cripples, emergers, CDC patterns — before you find one willing to eat. But they’re there, and they’re eating. There are still a few Golden Stones around, and terrestrials are becoming more important by the day.
Tactics: Nymph the Bright Hours, Match the Picky Risers
During bright sun, small euro-style jig nymphs like Perdigons are hard to beat. We’ve also been having really good luck on small PMD nymphs and PMD emergers — the Split Case PMD and Cracked Back PMD in sizes 16, 18, and even 20 for the pickiest fish. When the afternoon PMDs come off, come prepared with a variety of patterns: cripples, emergers, and CDC styles all earn their keep when the riffle fish get selective. Work through them until you find the one they want. Terrestrials are worth keeping on hand too — small hoppers, ants, and beetles are pulling fish up along grassy banks, so don’t hesitate to throw one tight to the bank.
Weekend Outlook
The cooler temperatures, cloud cover, and chance of afternoon showers should keep the fishing strong through the weekend. Overcast skies extend the hatch windows and keep fish looking up longer, so if you can get out there, take advantage. Just keep that raincoat handy for the afternoon thunder.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
If you need any fishing gear, swing by our Swan Valley Fly Shop — Brody has everything you might need for a day on the South Fork. I stopped in Sunday for leaders and tippet, and Brody pointed me toward some fancy bead heads. I caught my first fish of the day on one of his recommendations, so we’re not making this stuff up — he’s got the patterns you need for a successful day on the water. Give us a call at 208.483.2727 or shop anytime at tlapcflyshop.com.
If you’re looking for last-minute lodging and guides, we do have limited availability left this summer — plus some great deals coming up this fall. Book now by calling the lodge at 208.483.2222.
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