Top

South Fork

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / South Fork (Page 18)

South Fork, September 5th, 2020

Flow out of Palisades Dam was dropped to 8230 cfs Thursday ( 9160 cfs at Heise, 4160 cfs at Lorenzo).  Looks like we may have some more BWO weather right after Labor Day. Forecasts say cool and cloudy, so “just what the doctor ordered” if you are waiting for the Fall season.  That season won’t start officially until about 9/20, but Ma Nature likes to tease us a bit when it comes to weather.

Share

South Fork, September 1st, 2020

Our rainy day yesterday brought BWOs out on the South Fork.  Their numbers were only temporary because we are back to summer weather. But that temporary presence means they are waiting for more permanent cool weather to begin emerging big time.  So if you fish the South Fork, it is time to stock up on BWO life cycle patterns.

Share

South Fork, August 29th, 2020

SF With Baldy 2 (640x480)

No big change since our last report. Flows remain about the same throughout except for a 700 cfs drop out of Palisades Dam drop on Wednesday.  Mutant stones greet early AM fly-fishers.  Fish are responding best to hoppers and other terrestrial insects on the river below Heise.    Riffle fishing varies day by day, but PM caddis activity seems reliable almost every day. If you are considering a float trip downstream from Twin Bridges, be advised that someone in your group knows that part of river.  The river in that section can be tricky with blind side channels and dangerous snags and sweepers. It is a good example of a “living river.”

We are starting with good conditions for the upcoming fall fishing season: clear  water, suitable flows, and cooling weather.  A lot of folks are looking forward to the BWO and mahogany dun activities which the fall season features and also the increasingly later effectiveness of presenting streamer patterns to amorous brown trout.

Share

South Fork, August 24th, 2020

Flow out of Palisades Dam has been constant at about 9800 cfs (10555 cfs at Heise, 5000 cfs at Lorenzo) for at least a week. Not much change since our report a few days ago.  Mutant golden stones early, hoppers and riffle-feeding mayflies and PM caddis are interesting fish.

Share

South Fork, August 22nd, 2020

 

South Fork 4

There are certainly a lot of float fishing ongoing. Just look at how crowded the Conant, Palisades, and Spring Creek boat launches are. But walk-in wade  is quite popular as seen by the number of folks on the river road above Heise.  Mutant golden stone flies are active in the early mornings and attract fish. Riffle fishing is “off and on,” so be patient. Hoppers are everywhere along the river, and caddis activity can make for good evening fishing.

Share

South Fork, August 15th, 2020

Look at the boat ramp-parking areas. A glance at these tells how good the fishing is (for example Spring Creek overflows to near the highway during daytime). Mayflies, early morning mutant stones, PM caddis and terrestrial insects are active. Have patterns for all of these, and you will find action. At 9800 cfs at Irwin, 10700 cfs at Heise and 4850  cfs at Lorenzo, the river could not be in better shape.

Share

South Fork, August 8th, 2020

Mayflies (PMDs & pink alberts) are out in the riffles up and down the river, and so are drift boats. If you fish early in the morning ( before around 9 AM), you will see mutant golden stoneflies emerging  and fish keying on them.

Share

South Fork, August 1st, 2020

 

S. Fork sweeper_5

Flow out of Palisades Dam has dropped slightly, but not enough to impact fishing. Riffle fishing is not only productive but consistent up and down the river with PMDs & pink alberts emerging.  look for terrestrial insect coming on with this warm weather.

Share

South Fork, July 25th, 2020

Flow has been nearly constant for about a week and water is warming. This means PMD and pink albert hatches will soon be providing the best action especially at the heads and tails of riffles.  Hoppers are beginning to be important on banks of the lower river.

Share

South Fork, July 11th, 2020

 

South Fork 4

Flow on the river is at great levels ( 12400 cfs at Irwin, 13500 cfs at Heise,  5000 cfs at Lorenzo) and water is cold but clearing up. Fish responding are where you find them!  There are plenty of sallies, some caddis, PMDs and big stone flies round, but fish seem to take them on an inconsistent basis with respect to location on the river. Nymph patterns, with and without a bead head presented over drop-offs seem to be the most consistent way to success.

Share