Flow out of Palisades Dam was raised to 11900 cfs yesterday and to 13400 cfs today. Plans are to raise it again to 15000 cfs by this coming Friday. River below should stay clear or clear quickly, so streamer and nymph presentations are best bets for action. These flow levels make for better boating conditions.
Looks like it is time to begin offering fishing reports here and there. A good place to start is with the South Fork. Reports have the Snake River drainage snow pack above Palisades Reservoir exceeding 160% of normal. So water is being released from Palisades Dam because run-off this year will be major. Flow out of the dam was raised from around 2000 cfs to 3000 cfs on February 22nd. Yesterday flow out of the dam was doubled to 6000 cfs to provide space to catch run-off. This amount of flow will surely impact fishing success for some days to come.Flow out of American Falls Dam has been increased to 3000 cfs. Look for further flow increases through March as reservoir space up and down the river will be needed. These flow increases will also make the river dangerous. Thus for the upcoming weeks trying the lower Henry’s Fork (streamer or midge life cycle patterns) may be safer as well as result in better fishing success.
The Snake River Cutthroats, the TU and FFF affiliated club in Idaho Falls, is offering a winter slate of classes. See below.
Beginning Fly Tying begins Tuesday, January 17th at Idaho Falls high School and runs for six weeks. Classes are each Tuesday from 7-9PM. Basic techniques are taught with emphasis on local patterns. Materials are included in the cost of $30. Students (10 yrs and older) must bring a tying vise, scissors, bobbin and other useful tools. Some extra tools will be available at the class. Contact Jeff Armstrong at 208-522-7005.
Fly Rod Building starts with an informational/orientation class on Saturday, January 12th, 6:30-7:30 at All Seasons Angler. Here instructors will help students determine which size rod blank and components to purchase for the class. On Saturday, January 28th rod building class will be held from 10 AM to 5:30 PM at the Idaho Falls Public Library. Cost is $30 and is for novice and expert. A rod can be built for half of retail cost. Contact Wade Allen; 208-390-3130.