It’s our pleasure to bring you this week’s South Fork of the Snake River fishing report for July 12th, 2018. I hope everyone reading had a chance to go out and do some fishing last week and if you’re lucky you’ll be out fishing again this weekend.
Fishing this past week was very good, but maybe not quite what South Fork regulars would call a traditional 4th of July experience. The fish were and are eating very well, with Golden Stones, PMD’s, and Little Yellow Sallies dominating the hatches. There are still a few Salmon Flies near the dam but that hatch has sadly pretty much come to an end. The reason fishing didn’t seem “traditional” for the 4th was the fact that the fishing with dry flies was extremely spotty. Some anglers reported good dry fly fishing while most folks on the river only had success with nymphs. Our advice? You’re going to have to mix it up out there. If you’re fishing foamy dry flies on the bank you’ve got to get them close and fish them with a twitch, if the fish aren’t buying it, put a dropper on. If the dry dropper rig isn’t getting them it’s time to go to the old standard, a small rubber legs to imitate a golden stone trailed by your favorite bead head dropper. When you get to a good spot, don’t be afraid to test the dry flies again. Justin Hays, our manager said, “It’s kitchen sink time, mix it up, change flies, and tactics and you’ll get them.”
The flows have been steady for over a week now and the water is still clearing, we can only expect fishing to improve from here.
If you’re looking for an alternative to the South Fork the main stem of the Snake below American Falls has been fishing very well for Smallmouth Bass, Trout, and Carp. The photo above is our fly shop manager Tim with a great Brown caught with guide Dave Rice.
Looking for something fun to put on your calendar? On Friday, July 20th we’ll be hosting a traditional BBQ at the lodge. Everyone is welcome, just $35 per person and all you can eat. Give us a call for details and to make reservations. 208.483.2222