October is here! Those that spend a lot of time on the South Fork know how special this time of year is on the river. We hope you get out there and enjoy it, the snow will be flying soon enough.
River Conditions
Palisades Reservoir sits at 11% capacity, and flows out of Palisades are running at 4,200 cfs. The water on the upper river is still a little off color, and we’re starting to see some moss floating freely in the river as well. Neither one is slowing the fish down much. The fishing remains good, especially for anglers willing to go small and technical.
The Word From Our Guides
Much like last week, there are still a few opportunities for terrestrials and hopper-dropper rigs, but they’re limited. On these bright, sunny days you’ll be best off with a double nymph rig under an indicator. The fish are keyed in on small, technical bugs this time of year, and that’s where most of the action is coming from.
The foam lines are where you want to be. That’s where the food collects, and that’s where the fish are sitting and feeding.
Tactics: Small Bugs, Double Nymph Rigs
This time of year we like to fish really small. An olive tungsten thread midge in size 18 or 20, trailed by a size 18 or 20 BWO soft hackle or emerger, is a go-to rig right now. A couple of patterns from the shop that fit the bill:
- Nymphs: Jig Zebra Midge and Tungsten Frenchdipity. Fish them as the lead fly in a double nymph rig, with a small BWO soft hackle or emerger trailing behind.
- BWO dries for cloudy days: Have a few ready for when the weather turns: the Captive Dun BWO in size 20, the Baetis Comparadun, and the Hi-Vis Para Grey Baetis in size 18, which is a lot easier to track on the water in flat light.
Looking Ahead: Flip-Flops and Sunblock
The forecast looks warm and sunny, which means flip-flops and sunblock for a couple more weeks. If you can get out on the river on the next cloudy day, do it. That will be your best shot at good BWO hatches and fish rising. Until then, get those flip-flops out, grab the sunblock and a cooler, and enjoy these beautiful fall days on the river.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
All of the patterns above are available online or at our Swan Valley Fly Shop. Stop in for flies, tippet, leaders, or advice, call (208) 483-2727, or shop at tlapcflyshop.com.
Thinking about a fall trip? We still have some availability before the lodge season wraps up October 31. Details at tlapc.com or give us a call at (208) 483-2222.
See you on the river.
Want the report in your inbox every week? Sign up for our newsletter HERE for weekly reports May through October.