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South Fork

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / South Fork (Page 8)

South Fork, October 1st, 2022

Flow throughout the river has been essentially constant for at least a week. Good weather for BWO and mahogany dun activity should continue through this weekend. During sunny, warmer days don’t overlook trying a grasshopper pattern with or without a dropper

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South Fork, September 27th, 2022

No significant flow change in the river recently. Fishing seems to have slowed, but look for an increase in BWO and mahogany dun activity if the predicted unsettled weather happens in a few days. If that change happens, look for streamer fishing success to also improve. Enjoy the fall colors!

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South Fork, September 24th, 2022

From Top of Squaw Creek Dugway

No significant change in flows since our last report. There are fewer folks fishing even though lower flow means increased wading locations. Foliage color change is coming on strong. So it is a great time to visit the river even though dry fly fishing success is a bit sporadic ( BWO and mahogany dun activity is best during cloudier days). Mutant golden stone flies are pretty much a thing of the past for this season but hopper-dropper presentations towards vegetated banks still works well. Presenting streamer patterns will become increasingly effective as we advance into the fall season.

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South Fork, September 20th, 2022

Flow out of Palisades Reservoir continues to drop (now about 6160 cfs at Irwin, 6360 cfs at Heise, 3700 cfs at Lorenzo) to normal for the season as downstream irrigation demands diminish. The same can be said for number of anglers, but walk-in wade locations are increasing. Riffle and drop off fishing with BWO and Mahogany dun life cycle patterns has been productive, and even though they are diminishing greatly, some mutant golden stone flies emerge during early hours.

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South Fork, September 17th, 2022

Flow out off Palisades dam has been ramped down over the last several days ( about 8700 cfs at Irwin, 8900 cfs at Heise, 5600 cfs at Lorenzo).. It is now approaching normal for this time of the season. So is may fly activity with BWOs and mahogany duns being active. Add terrestrial insects still around in good numbers and the same with caddis flies, and the river offers great top water fishing. With more low light conditions around, streamer fishing is also very good. Presenting nymph patterns at the heads and tails of riffles also produces. Fishing is as good as it gets on the South Fork.

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South Fork, September 10th, 2022

South Fork Below Heise Hot Springs

Higher than normal flow (11000 cfs at Irwin,16000 cfs at Heise, 8500 cfs at Lorenzo ) has slowed fishing success. However, unsettled weather is predicted for much of next week. That’s just what is needed to begin the fall mayfly period. It means a big increase in BWO and mahogany dun activity with fish responding accordingly. Also, do not overlook presenting streamer patterns during accompanying low light conditions.

Another “plus” for fishing the South Fork will be the soon-to-begin advance of fall colors along the river and surroundings. So consider taking that camera during upcoming visits.

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South Fork, September 6th, 2022

This guy deserves his share of the fish

Increases in flow of out of Palisades Dam have slowed fishing a bit. Although lower flow remains on the lower river because of diversion for agriculture, shorter daylight hours and lower night time air temps will soon cool this part of the river to help bring on the fall mayfly season there. Mutant golden stone activity is decreasing, and when cooler and cloudier weather begins, our fall mayfly activity will start up and down the river. Meanwhile, terrestrial insect activity provides action up and down the river. Hopper-dropper combos remain a good choice when such are presented toward well vegetated banks.

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South Fork, September 3rd, 2022

Those recent small increases in flow out of Palisades Reservoir are meant to add water to the relatively depleted American Falls Reservoir. This action should not impact fishing. When weather begins to cool, look for BWOs and mahogany duns to become active.

No significant change with respect to fishing strategy since our last report. Mutant golden stones provide the best early-in-the-day fishing. Later in the day, PMDs, caddis and terrestrial insect activities provide the action. Be aware that as diversions remove water from the lower river, fish there become less active than above.

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South Fork, August 27th, 2022

Mutant golden stoneflies are going strong making for good early in the day fishing. Hopper ( try hopper-dropper set-ups presented close to well vegetated banks) and other terrestrial insects produce great fishing anywhere as soon as air temps warm up, and riffles offer good fishing as PMD and caddis become active. Flows of cool, clear water are near normal throughout with a bit of warming in the lower river because of irrigation diversion. Week-end recreational floaters are most numerous during mid day hours. They primarily populate the river on certain stretches including from the dam to Conant and on the lower river above all irrigation diversions.

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