South Fork, March 6th, 2021

It’s been a long cold winter on the river, but here are a few things worth some words. First, the flow from Palisades Dam has been near consistent at around 900 cfs all winter. Downstream because of tributary contribution flow increases to around 1300 cfs near Heise.  Flow decreases somewhat downstream to the Henry’s Fork confluence. Midge activity seems to be increasing and will continue to do so as we warm up.  Activity can be particularly good were spring water enters.  Rubber legs patterns have been the best “go to” fly. Try them in traditional black , brown, olive, or tan (#4-8, all colors). Present these to run deep at the top of holes and runs drifting deep with an end-of-the-drift swing upward through the water column.  The best access is around the Heise bridge and there are some such points on downstream.

Stay warm, and wade carefully. The water is awfully cold!