River Conditions
Flows out of Palisades Reservoir held at 14,000 cfs through most of last week before easing yesterday to 13,600 cfs. There’s a strong chance we’ve already seen our peak flow for 2026 — last year’s peak was 14,000 cfs, and we’re right in that neighborhood. The one wildcard is heat. If temperatures spike and irrigators call for more water downstream, we could see another bump, but at this point it’s unlikely.
Clarity has been holding up well, and with flows beginning to taper, conditions should only get better heading into the weekend.
The Word From Our Guides
Fishing has been very good this week, with solid action on both nymphs and streamers. The surprise has been how well the small stuff is producing.
Our guides have had better luck on Midges, Blue Winged Olive imitations, and attractor nymphs than on the bigger patterns we’d typically lean on at high water. Don’t be afraid to scale down — especially in the riffles and drop-offs where these bugs are most active.
Tactics: Don’t Overlook the Small Stuff
When the river is running this big, the instinct is to fish heavy — big rubberlegs, big eggs, big worms. That’s still working. But if you’ve been getting refused or grinding for fewer eats than you’d like, the answer this week might be in your nymph box, not your reel.
Top producers right now:
- Midge patterns — Zebra Midges, Rainbow Warriors, #18–20
- Blue Winged Olive nymphs and emergers — Pheasant Tail Jigs, Baetis-style patterns, #16–18
- Attractor nymphs — Lightning Bugs, Perdigons, Pheasant Tail Jigs in standard sizes
- Big stones still earning their keep as lead flies — Pat’s Rubberlegs #4–8
Fish them through riffles, along drop-offs, and into the seams where small nymphs naturally collect.
Memorial Day Weekend Outlook
The forecast for the holiday weekend is looking fantastic, and if the flows continue to drop, we should see excellent fly fishing on both nymphs and streamers.
A couple of hatches worth watching for:
Blue Winged Olives. We’ve had several Memorial Day weekends with good BWO dry fly fishing in the riffles and slow water — especially around the falls and through the canyon. If you spot risers on an overcast afternoon, you’ll want a few cripples and emergers ready.
Mother’s Day Caddis. There’s potential for a midday Caddis hatch in the canyon if it stays warm and sunny. This one is temperamental and doesn’t show every year, but it’s hit on Memorial Day weekend several times before, so keep your eyes peeled. Adding a Caddis pupa to your nymph rig is a smart hedge.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
The Swan Valley Fly Shop is fully stocked for the season with everything you need for a successful Memorial Day weekend. Brody and the crew have the latest on the best floats, the right flies, and any tackle or gear you might be missing. Stop by or give us a call at 208.483.2727. Shop online anytime at tlapcflyshop.com.
If you’re looking to book a guide, give the lodge a call at 208.483.2222.
Have a great Memorial Day weekend, and tight lines out there.
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