South Fork 5-26-18

Flow out of Palisades Dam was increased to 19100 cfs Wednesday  (Now 19400 cfs at Heise, 14900 cfs at Lorenzo). With the reservoir about 75 % full and over 30000 cfs coming into it, an increase in outflow seems necessary.  However with irrigation water being taken out on a large scale, flow below Byington is about 14500 cfs which is about double for this time of year.  Water is discolored with suspended matter.  We have a few reports of exposed gravel bars and some fishing action below Byington where rubberlegs and brightly colored streamer patterns  sunk deep are interesting fish.  No dry fly action yet, but at least something is going on with respect to fishing on the lower river.  Above Byington it is best to try drop-offs and any gravel bars that are not in deep water. A weighted rubberlegs trailed with a San Juan worm trailor might be the best way to interest fish.