And so it begins, it seems, Spring. What a winter we’ve had here in Idaho and then in a matter of days the snow starts melting and boats start hitting the river. The most important news this week in our South Fork fishing report is the flows, they are up up up. The Bureau of Reclamation is preparing for the larger than average run off event expected in the coming months by moving water out of both Jackson Lake and Palisades Reservoir. Flows out of Palisades Reservoir increased from already higher than average 7,000 cfs up to 13,000. (You can check flows here)
What does that mean for the fishing? If flows stay at 13,000 like they have for the past few days the fishing should be quite good this weekend. The higher flows will limit wade fishing opportunities but open up sections to floating that normally
don’t see much action. I’m sure we’ll see some boats doing the canyon stretch that normally is really tough to float this time of year.
Successful anglers this weekend will focus on nymphing riffles, drop offs, and “A” water type banks. Streamer fishing in-between riffles should turn some fish as well, remember a slow strip in cold water is usually more effective. Keep your eyes peeled in foam lines, slack water, and back eddies for fish feeding on midges and possibly Blue Winged Olives.
If flows get bumped up again fishing will be best if you give the river a day or two to stabilize.