River Conditions
Flows out of Palisades Dam are holding steady at 13,500 cfs, and clarity remains good. With the cooler, wetter pattern moving in this weekend, we don’t expect any significant changes to flow heading into the next few days.
One important heads-up for anyone planning to fish Tuesday, June 2nd: the Bureau of Reclamation will be commissioning two newly installed Jet Flow Gates at Palisades Dam, and releases will fluctuate during that window. Between roughly 9 a.m. and noon, flows are projected to drop from 13,500 cfs down to about 9,500 cfs, then climb back to 13,500 cfs. Expect the river stage at the Irwin gage to drop and then rise by about 14 inches, with a smaller swing of about 4 inches at the Heise gage roughly 7 hours later. Times and levels are approximate, as adjustments will be made in real time. If you’re floating that morning, plan accordingly and be mindful of changing water. For additional information, you can contact Brian Stevens at 208-670-0761.
The Word From Our Guides
The South Fork is a soft-water game right now. Focus your drifts on the fish-holding refuges: back eddies, tailouts, slack water, and the inside seams etc. Lead with a heavy anchor fly like a Pat’s Rubber Legs trailing a smaller BWO nymph or midge.
Tactics: Read the Water, Then Match the Sky
With rain and cooler weather in the forecast it’s worth packing a lighter rod rigged for BWO dry flies. I would expect to see some BWO’s and noses up on them in slow riffles, foam lines etc. in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. Certainly if there are BWO’s out and about the fish will be eating them subsurface so be ready with your favorite BWO nymphs, emergers, and soft hackles.
For streamers, think slow and deliberate. Work a streamers in slower water with long pauses and slower strips rather than aggressive retrieves. Don’t be afraid to experiment with “frog water” ie. water that isn’t even moving.
Weekend Outlook
This is shaping up to be a wet and cool one, and that’s good news for the fishing — Blue Winged Olives and streamers will both play a larger role with this weather moving in.
Today stays sunny and warm with a high near 84 and a slight chance of an afternoon thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Friday cools down into the upper 70s with increasing clouds and a chance of showers. The real shift comes over the weekend: Saturday brings rain before noon and showers and possible thunderstorms into the afternoon, with a high only near 52 and a 90% chance of precipitation. Sunday stays mostly cloudy with more showers likely and a high around 57.
Those gray, cool afternoons are exactly when the BWO fishing can turn on, so watch for risers in the slow water and have your cripples and emergers ready. If the surface goes quiet, this is also prime streamer weather.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
The Swan Valley Fly Shop is fully stocked and dialed in for these high-water conditions. We’ve got the latest on the best floats, the right flies, and any tackle or gear you might need before you head out. 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.
Stay dry out there, fish the warm windows, and tight lines.
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