Thanks as always for checking in on the fishing report from The Lodge at Palisades Creek.
River Conditions
Fall really feels like it rolled in today. Flows out of Palisades dropped yesterday to 4,600 cfs, with Palisades Reservoir sitting at 11% capacity. With the reservoir that low, we’re seeing some turbidity coming out of the dam, but the water clears up substantially as you work your way downstream. If clear water is your preference, consider floating the lower river — although the streamer fishing in that slightly green water on the upper river has been very good.
The Word From Our Guides
The next few days would be a great time to be on the river if you can swing it. The forecast calls for cooler temperatures and occasional rain showers through Saturday, with highs in the 60s and low 70s and overnight lows in the low 40s. That’s exactly the weather that makes for excellent streamer fishing and brings out a great Blue Winged Olive hatch along with the Mahogany Duns. Sunday and Monday look sunny and warmer, so if you want to fish the clouds, get out there in the next few days.
Tactics: Streamers and Small Mayflies
- Streamers: The top play under cloudy skies, and the green-tinted water on the upper river has been fishing well with them.
- Dry flies: Small Blue Winged Olive and Mahogany Dun imitations when the hatch comes off.
- Double nymph rigs: Still very effective — small BWO and Mahogany nymphs, small rubberlegs. Don’t be afraid to hang a soft hackle here and there as a BWO imitation.
- Hopper-dropper: Tapering off as we move through the last few weeks of September.
Looking Ahead: The Turn to Fall
As we wrap up September, the focus shifts to streamers and small Blue Winged Olives and Mahogany Duns, and the terrestrial game fades out. Cloudy, cool days will be the ones to circle on the calendar. After this weekend’s weather clears out, expect brighter conditions early next week, which means a little more nymphing during the day and streamers first thing in the morning and again in the evening.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
We still have some guide availability at the lodge in September, and don’t forget our 20% discount on lodging through the month of October. Give us a call at (208) 483-2222.
If you need fishing tips, flies, or gear, swing by our Swan Valley Fly Shop — call (208) 483-2727 or visit tlapcflyshop.com.
Come and see us.
Want the report in your inbox every week? Sign up for our newsletter HERE for weekly reports May through October.