Let’s go FISHING!
What a difference a week makes and in some cases just a few hours. Flows out of Palisades Dam just dropped minutes ago to below 19,000 cfs and could drop further through the weekend. With this flow, we should see the Lorenzo and Menan boat ramps re-open and ramps that were very difficult such as Cottonwood (Fullmer) will be much easier to use.
In the past week, there has been a ton of bug activity on the water with sallies, green drakes, and salmon flies all emerging. The world famous salmon fly hatch wasn’t so famous this year as it moved up river way ahead of schedule and is already just about over, near the dam. The salmon flies are being followed by their slightly smaller but still awesome golden stones.
Our guides and guests had excellent fishing this week. Due to the off-color water, all fish were still being caught on nymphs but guests were averaging around 25 fish per day AND there are very few boats if any on the river right now. We expect to see that start to change in the coming day as the water drops, and the big 4 day weekend approaches, but fishing will only get better each day.
For the coming weekend, pack your arsenal of favorite nymphs. Top flies this week have been both large salmon fly nymphs, and golden stone nymphs as well as green drake, sally, and PMD nymphs. A size 6 rubberlegs with your favorite bead head dropper will do well. Keep your eyes peeled for slower water behind structure or drop offs as the fish are still holding in slower water.
As the water continues to clear dry fly fishing will pick up and hopefully we are now days away from that instead of weeks. If need flies, tippet, shuttles, guides, or a last minute fishing report swing by our shop or give us a call 208-483-2222. Have a great 4th!