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South Fork

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / South Fork (Page 15)

South Fork, July 3rd, 2021

This guy deserves his share of fish whether browns, cutts, rainbows or whitefish

Big bugs are as far upstream as Cottonwood. River flow is near historical mean and near constant at 14500 cfs ( 14700 cfs at Heise, 7800 cfs at Lorenzo) with cool, clear water. So the fishing shape is ideal. Any big floating fly will do to get fish to top water,but rubber legs and big nymph patterns will still work on the upper river. Socially, it is time to be courteous and patient as so many anglers are on the river to enjoy fish responding to the big bugs.

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South Fork, June 26, 2021

Flow out of Palisades Dam has been steady for several days (1370 0cfs at Irwin, 14000 cfs, at Heise, 6690 cfs at Lorenzo), and water is cold and clear. Pretty much the same is happening as in our 6/21 report, but we are moving closer to the big stone fly hatch producing more significant numbers and moving up the river. A few big stone flies have been spotted on the lower river and as with all season to date rubber leg patterns work well especially now the big nymphs migrating towards banks. A few green drakes remain and caddis are present in numbers to make afternoon top water fishingOK. Nymphs and dry dropper combinations produce along drop-offs.

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South Fork, June 22nd, 2021

Yellow Sallys, green drakes, PMDs, midges and caddis dominate hatching aquatic insects available to feeding fish now. Exactly which ones fish are feeding on depends on river location. Flow throughout the river remains at near mean levels for this time of year. Warm weather should speed up what most fly fishers are waiting for: the giant stone fly event.

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South Fork, June 19th, 2021

PMDs and green drakes are beginning to appear on the lower river. So fish their life cycle patterns there, the same for PM caddis throughout, and do not overlook presenting nymph patterns through riffles..The appearance of these mayflies is an indication that the big stone fly appearance is “imminent.” With flows being near historic averages throughout the river, this event could be one not to miss,(for now keep on presenting rubber leg patterns as the big nymphs are starting to migrate towards banks). Consider that with a relatively small number of visits currently on the river, it remains a tranquil alternative to the masses fishing the Henry’s Fork. That will change when the big stone flies appear in number. Also consider that flows will eventually increase as irrigation demands intensify.

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Still Waters, June 12th, 2021

All the irrigation company owned reservoirs in the southeast corner of the state are offering good fishing. But you had best visit one soon because our low snowfall winter and upcoming hot days mean irrigation demands for their water beginning soon.

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South Fork, June 12, 2021

South Fork, June 12, 2021

Still a good escape from the crowded Henry’s fork. Flow throughout is at historic mean.Dam to Byington seems to offer best fishing.For nymph fishing, move away from banks, stick to drop offs, transitions and slow water. Hang your favorite bead head nymph off such as a Chernobyl type. Try Super-X, rubber leg patterns and streamers.

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South Fork, May 24th, 2021

Flow throughout the river remains constant and is a bit below normal for the date.  Some BWOs are active in riffles, so have some of their life cycle patterns handy. Other flies that are producing include rubber legs, San Juan worms. and streamers. The South Fork remains a more tranquil and lightly visited alternative to the Henry’s Fork with its crowded boat launch sites and numerous fly fishers chasing the giant and golden stone fly hatches.

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South Fork, May 22nd, 2021

With the stone fly madness progressing on the Henry’s Fork, the South Fork offers  a much more tranquil and less crowded fishing alternative. All boat launch sites are open, and there are an almost unlimited number of walk-in wade locations.  BWOs are appearing around riffles during PM hours, especially during overcast days, while rubber legs and streamer patterns continue to produce.  Flow has been consistent for several days and throughout is right at normal for the time of year.

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South Fork, May 8th, 2021

Flow out of Palisades Dam was raised to 10700 cfs (12200 cfs at Heise, 5410 cfs at Lorenzo ) Yesterday. This flow is at the normal for the season. Best fishing remains through presenting  rubber legs and streamer patterns. Top water fishing is minimal with only scattered midge activity.

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