Here we are, the end of June and the big 4th of July week is coming up. Folks who know and love the South Fork know that this can be a magical time of year.
Palisades reservoir officially hit 100% capacity this week and since then we’ve seen the flows increase to 17,000 cfs as the B.O.R. has to match the inflow with the outflow. Flows are dropping into the reservoir every day and we should see flows out of Palisades follow suit through the upcoming week.
Our guides are seeing great hatches of Yellow Sallies, Pale Morning Duns, Green Drakes, Salmon Flies, and Golden Stones, primarily on the lower river. So far, there has not been a lot of dry fly fishing. The water remains slightly off-color and even though the bugs are out the fish are still keying in on the nymphs.
With so many different types of bugs on the water every day it’s important to be prepared with both the nymph and adult versions of each of the bugs listed above. You might need to swap flies depending on the time of day, location, and even individual fish in a riffle may be keying in on different bugs. Or if you’re good you can rely on the old standby…a drag free drift in their face!
It looks like we’re in for a cool down in the weather Friday, Saturday, and Sunday which will slow the progression of the Salmon Flies. Our guides will continue to focus their efforts on the lower sections of the river from Cottonwood to Menan, but as the temperatures rebound the hatch will make its way into the canyon and beyond.
If you need help picking up flies, picking a section to float, or picking out a new fly rod come see us at the shop or give us a call 208.483.2222. Have a great 4th of July!