Cooler weather should help action pick up. Look for tiny BWOs coming out on the lower river. Terrestrial patterns can still be effective on the lower river when fished around cover late in the afternoon, but frosty nights are becoming more common on the upper river, so hoppers etc will become less numerous at higher elevations. Look for streamer patterns to become more important as the days move into autumn.
The river below Mackay Dam is now very fishable by walk-in & wading. It will likely stay this way until general season closes. Get out to Mackay and enjoy this great little river while we have great September weather. Contact us for fly pattern and strategy thoughts.
Been fishing very well below Mackay Dam! Midges and BWOs provide for top water action. Small beadhead nymphs and leeches bring action below the surface.
The algae bloom on Chesterfield Res. has slowed action there. Wait until frosty nights break up this bloom before going there. Meanwhile, fishing on 24-Mile Res. has really improved for those using damselfly nymphs, halloweens and green apple leeches. Daniels Res. remains good with the same flies as recommended on 24-mile Res. producing. Try green scud patterns in the open water in Springfield Res. And remember that midge pupa patterns will work on all still waters when you find the depth at which fish are cruising for them.
Until we have hard freezes, most small waters will remain good fishing. Flavs are still active on Palisades and Big Elk creeks. Warm River just below the spring has a good BWO emergence on cloudy days. Birch, Stump and Robinson creeks continue to produce for those presenting terrestrial and attractor patterns.
Even with high flows action is picking up along the river between Idaho Falls and Blackfoot. Fishing from a boat and using streamer patterns are making for the best results.
Flows out of Hebgen Dam have not reduced as repairs are not yet complete. We cannot recommend fishing the river from here to Ennis. Hebgen Lake has dropped a lot because of this impacting the gulper event. It is winding down, and so is the spruce moth hatch. As we get into autumn, streamer fishing will become the best way to find action.
Flow out of Palisades Dam remains same for time being. Mutant stones are still active, and #6-8 green or red Chernobyl ant or Elden’s golden Stone, same sizes, is a good pattern for them. Mahogany duns and BWOs are out, and fish are keying on them mainly on cloudy or stormy days. Hoppers pitched close to banks remain productive. Crowds are down, and weather is at its best. So it is a great time to be on the South Fork.
Some speckled duns and tricos remain around Last Chance-Harriman. Some tiny BWOs are out on the lower river. Evening caddis flights provide action throughout the river. In most places terrestrials patterns will provide best action during daytime.
Fishing has been a bit slow, and wind the last few days has made the lake a bit unpleasant. We have heard of some action along the cliffs and creek mouths for those using scud and small leech patterns.