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South Fork

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / South Fork (Page 4)

South Fork, September 9th, 2023

Flows are beginning to drop enough to make the river a walk-in wade paradise (about 7300 cfs at Irwin, 7500 cfs at Heise, 3200 cfs at Lorenzo). Hopper-dropper combinations still work well along areas of overhead cover and vegetated banks up and down river. The the fall emergence of BWOs and mahogany duns is on the way and will peak during unsettled weather. Fall colors are also beginning, and their presence will make the river and its surroundings a beautiful place to visit.

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South Fork, September 5th, 2023

No significant change has happened with respect to flow out of Palisades Dam, and the reservoir above is about two-thirds full. That means plenty of water to finish irrigation season demands as well as a good start in storing water for next year. The recent unsettled weather will help bring on a denser BWO hatch and begin a significant appearance of mahogany duns. Hopper-dropper combinations will be a great alternative for top water fishing in the weeks to come and streamer patterns will become increasingly effective as we move into autumn..

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South Fork, September 2nd, 2023

Just Above Twin Bridges Area

Up to this weekend hopper patterns with and without a dropper pretty much ruled the effective game. With a stormy weekend being in the forecast, streamer patterns could take over because of relatively dormant hoppers and such unless we have some wind. Flow is not an issue as it remains within the summertime range (currently 8500 cfs at Irwin, 8700 cfs at Heise and 3800 cfs at Lorenzo).

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South Fork, August 29th, 2023

Minor ups and downs in flow continue but with no major impact on fishing. We hear that the lower river seems to offer better fishing success than the river above. Hopper dropper combinations rule the roost with respect to good fishing results anywhere on the river. When overcast days arrive, be sure you have streamer patterns in that fly box.

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South Fork, August 26th, 2023

The relatively small fluctuations we are currently seeing in flow out of Palisades Dam have no big impact on fishing success. The density of thunder showers and rain storms have impacts that outweigh these. Here is why: During and right after these events relative humidity rises making aquatic insect hatches denser. Right after these storms clear up and downdraft winds decrease is also a good time to try patterns such as San Juan worm and woolly bugger types because increased flows free up annelids into the river.

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South Fork, August 22nd, 2023

The recent minor ups and downs of flow out of Palisades Dam should have little impact on fishing success up and down the river. With some continuing rain and cloudy skies perhaps having a few patterns (i.e. san juan worm variants, balanced leeches, etc ) in that fly box is a good option because wetter banks mean more worms (annelids) are washed into the river. The cloudy, cool weather is also ideal for denser mayfly activity which will enhance riffle fishing success during day time hours. Increased overhead cover from the current weather pattern also makes responses to streamer patterns more likely.

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South Fork, August 19th, 2023

We are at the peak of fly fishing season on the South Fork. There is something for every fly fisher to enjoy whether it is early AM spinner falls and stone flies, PMD and pink albert activity, hoppers and other terrestrial insect activity, afternoon caddis activity, streamers during increased cover periods and more. This is a “river in demand,” so launch facilities are during mornings and again during afternoon hours. Social conditions during these times can test one’s ability to stay composed as not all folks, whether they are anglers or recreationists, present will be considerate and exhibit proper behavior. So if using these facilities at peak activity periods is planned, be patient and strive to accept that being on the water to enjoy what the river offers will soon come and the “hustle & bustle” of the launch facility will soon fade into the distance.

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South Fork, August 15th, 2023

Flow out of Palisades Reservoir has been increased slightly but not enough to influence fly fishing success. The reservoir is about three-quarters full, so at this time of the season there is enough water for downstream irrigation demands. Big news is the early AM mutant golden stone fly activity working up the river. So no significant change since our last fishing report as normal summertime conditions prevail.

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South Fork, August 12th, 2023

Let’s not deny him a share of fish

We try to keep up to date on this river because of its popularity and what it offers to fly fishers this time of the season. Flows have been reduced a bit, much to the joy of walk-in wade anglers ( 7900 cfs at Irwin, 8100 cfs at Heise, 3400 cfs at Lorenzo). Water is in great shape being clear and cool. Morning mutant golden stone activity is moving up the river to provide interesting top water fishing. Mid-days are the time to run errands, photography, observe wildlife, or having a great lunch in a nearby “watering hole.” If you must fish during mid-days, nymphs from rubber leg patterns down to the array of small beaded or beadless patterns presented close to overhead cover can produce. PMDs and afternoon caddis are active, and pink alberts are making an appearance. As soon as waters have warmed by early PM, terrestrial patterns will become most effective, especially under windy conditions, for trout foraging vegetated banks. Streamers presented during evenings can fool that big brown trout searching for minnows during the increased overhead cover. So the river now offers some of everything for the fly fisher to try, and that variety and determining what food item to simulate at a given time makes for interesting fishing few other streams can match!

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South Fork, August 8th, 2023

Palisades Reservoir is at about three-quarters of capacity. Flow out of Palisades dam continues to drop; now 8500 cfs at Irwin with 9000 cfs at Heise and a bit over 4000 cfs at Lorenzo. Lowered flows result in more wading opportunities and approaches to riffles where PMDs and caddis flies are active during PM hours. In particular, there are increased wading opportunities along the river road above Heise and along the road above Fall Creek falls. Mutant golden stone flies have begun hatching during early AMs on the lower river. Soon hatching in significant quantities will work its way up the river. That’s another reason for dropping flows to be timely!

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