River Conditions
Flows on the South Fork have dropped this week from 14,000 cfs down to 13,200 cfs today, and that’s good news. Less water means easier rowing for our guides, and it opens up new riffles and wade fishing opportunities that weren’t accessible at higher flows. This time of year, change can be a very good thing. The cloudy weather and rain we’ve had over the last couple of days have definitely helped the fishing along with cooler temps, though it looks like warmer weather is on the way for the weekend.
The Word From Our Guides
We’re still seeing Golden Stones, PMDs, and Caddis out on the river, and the fish are eating. That said, they’re getting well educated and quite picky at this point in the season — dry fly fishing right now is a very technical game. PMD and emerger fishing in the riffles has been good, but you’ll need to earn it. Terrestrials are also becoming more important as the summer wears on. Small hoppers, ants, and beetles will trick a fish or two.
Tactics: Dry Droppers, Technical Risers, and Early Streamers
Dry dropper rigs have been really good with the current mix of bugs on the water — a Golden Stone or hopper up top with a nymph trailing behind covers a lot of ground. When you find fish working the riffles on PMDs, come prepared with emergers and be ready to change patterns until you find the one they’ll take. In between hatches, nymphing has been very good: small PMD nymphs, Caddis nymphs, and smaller stonefly nymphs are all producing. If you’re a streamer fisherman, get out there early in the morning or right before dark when the sun is off the water — that’s the best time to move fish and get them chasing.
Weekend Outlook
Warmer weather is headed our way for the weekend, so plan around it. The low-light windows at either end of the day become that much more valuable when the sun is high and hot — fish early, fish late, and lean on nymphs through the bright middle hours. The bugs are still coming off and the fish are still eating; it just takes a little more strategy this time of year.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
If you need any fishing gear, swing by our Swan Valley Fly Shop — we’re fully stocked with everything you need for a day on the South Fork. Give us a call at 208.483.2727 or shop anytime at tlapcflyshop.com.
And as usual, if you’re looking to book a guide or a last-minute stay at the lodge, you can check availability by giving us a call at 208.483.2222. We hope to see you on the river.
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