Thanks as always for checking in on the fishing report from The Lodge at Palisades Creek.
River Conditions
Palisades Reservoir currently sits at 11% capacity, with 6,900 cfs coming out of the dam. With the reservoir that low, we’re seeing a little turbidity in the water coming out of Palisades, but it clears up as you move downriver. If you like clear water, consider floating Sections 2, 3, or 4 — although our guides are still having good success on the upper river.
The Word From Our Guides
We’re in between seasons on the South Fork right now, with the summer hatches wrapping up and the fall hatches just getting started. You can still find good fishing twitching Chernobyl ants early in the morning, and that will hold up until the first really hard freeze of the fall. During the day, terrestrials are still turning fish — hopper-droppers along the banks, and ants and beetles in the riffles and foam lines.
If it’s bright and sunny, though, you’ll probably have your best success fishing nymphs: small rubberlegs, small bead heads, and small soft hackles to imitate Blue Winged Olive and Mahogany mayflies. This time of year we tend to fish much smaller flies and get pretty technical. These fish have been fished over a lot this season and they’re getting picky. Early-morning and late-evening streamers have also been producing.
Tactics: Small Flies, Technical Fishing
- Early morning: Twitch a Chernobyl ant along the banks, or swing a streamer before the sun gets on the water.
- Midday, bright and sunny: Go subsurface with small rubberlegs, small bead heads, and small soft hackles. Downsize your flies and tippet and fish them carefully.
- Midday, terrestrials: Hopper-dropper on the banks; ants and beetles in the riffles and foam lines.
- Cloudy days: Blue Winged Olives and Mahoganies on top, with streamers as a strong second option.
- Evening: Streamers again as the light drops.
Looking Ahead: Watch for Cloudy Days
This time of year, nothing helps the fishing more than a cool, cloudy day. Keep your calendar open, and when one shows up in the forecast, it’s time to head to the river. On those days you’ll see really good Blue Winged Olive and Mahogany action, and the streamer fishing picks up right along with it.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
If you’re interested in booking a guided trip or a stay at the lodge, we have guides available throughout September, and we’re offering over 20% off lodging rates in October. Give the lodge a call at (208) 483-2222.
If you need flies, fishing advice, or a few tips and tricks for the fall bugs, swing by our Swan Valley Fly Shop — open daily. Call (208) 483-2727 or visit tlapcflyshop.com.
See you on the river.
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