Thanks as always for checking in on The Lodge at Palisades Creek fishing report.
River Conditions
Palisades Reservoir currently sits at 11% capacity, and flows have dropped from 4,600 cfs earlier this week down to about 4,100 cfs. The South Fork is definitely feeling like fall is here. With the low water coming out of the reservoir, we’re still seeing a bit of turbidity below the dam, but the farther downstream you get, the more the water clears up. That said, the streamer fishing in that slightly off-color water on the upper river has been good.
One thing to keep in mind at these flows: floats that took a few hours in the summer can take all day this time of year, especially if you’re getting out to fish to rising fish. Plan your day accordingly.
The Word From Our Guides
The fish are definitely moving around as the flows drop, so don’t expect them to be where they were in August. There are still opportunities to fish small hoppers, ants, and beetles to really picky, finicky fish — keep those in mind on slow grassy banks, inside flats, and foam lines.
It doesn’t look like we have any cloudy, stormy days coming this weekend, which makes streamer fishing in the bright sun a bit tougher and dry fly fishing a bit harder too, since we won’t see as many Blue Winged Olives or Mahoganies coming off. Do keep your eyes open, though — there have been some fish rising in the afternoons.
Tactics: Go Small and Technical
Your best success will most likely come nymphing with small Blue Winged Olive nymphs: Perdigons, Frenchies, and small tungsten bead heads. This time of year we like to fish really small (size 18-22) — an Ed’s Tungsten (aka E.T. or Tungsten Thread Midge), or any of the many flies that are essentially the same pattern under a different name. A brown, olive, or black tungsten thread midge trailed by a small BWO or Mahogany emerger or soft hackle is a go-to rig right now.
Some of our guides still prefer a rubberlegs and a bead head, and that gets it done too. Those bead heads are effective in the foam lines and riffles. But if the fish are giving you a hard time, go small and technical.
- Nymphing: Small BWO nymphs — Perdigons, Frenchies, tungsten bead heads, thread midges — trailed with a BWO or Mahogany emerger or soft hackle.
- Terrestrials: Small hoppers, ants, and beetles on slow grassy banks, inside flats, and foam lines.
- Streamers: Still worth throwing in the off-color water on the upper river, best in low light.
- Dry flies: Watch for afternoon risers and have a few BWO and Mahogany dries ready.
Looking Ahead: More Water to Wade
The other advantage of these lower flows is much better wade access. Park the car and walk into spots you normally can’t get to during the summer. With bright, sunny weather in the forecast this weekend, the technical nymphing game will carry the day, but the first cool, cloudy stretch to come through will light up the BWOs, Mahoganies, and streamer fishing again.
At the Fly Shop & Lodge
If you need flies, advice, tippet, leaders, or lines, swing by our Swan Valley Fly Shop — still open daily. Call (208) 483-2727 or visit tlapcflyshop.com.
Interested in a fall trip? We still have some availability and are offering 20% off lodging. 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.