Flow out of Palisades Dam has been steady at around 3240 cfs for about a week, and the weather is predicted to warm up. Streamer fishing is picking up, and some BWO action remains in the numerous riffles many of which are ideal for walk-in wade fishing. See the above pic of river bottom colors in Swan Valley. They make for a bonus when visiting the South Fork, but won’t be around much longer.
Flow below Mackay Dam is around 200 cfs, meaning wading is safe. BWOs come out during early PM hours with trout responding. But wintry weather predicted for the next few days means this weekend may make for a more comfortable visit.
Low water flow ( 3250 cfs at Irwin, 1660 cfs at Lorenzo) may be a “god send” for walk-in wade fishing, but it makes for perilous boat fishing in certain locations on the river. From Heise on downstream there are dangers where trees once underwater are now above and channels once passable are no longer that way. For example the river left in the Archer area has both these dangers. See our Facebook page for more details on dangers in this area, or get in touch at the shop. Nevertheless, hatches are holding up, and streamer fishing is improving. The upcoming weather may bring on “ice in your guides” periods, but better days will follow.
We have a few reports of success on Daniels Reservoir for those fly-fishers using midge pupa under an indicator. The taking depth must be found. Success for catching large trout from Sand Creek Ponds has not been the same as in past seasons, but smaller and mid-sized trout provide action by taking midge pupa patterns under an indicator or slowly retrieved leech patterns. Consider trying midge pupa patterns under an indicator in the Harriman Fish Pond now that aquatic vegetation is breaking up.
It is a “trout are where you find them” situation, meaning somewhat spotty fishing success so far with small fish (14″-16″) making up most of those responding. Hopefully the upcoming wintry weather spell will make for more consistent success.
The number of small streams offering good fishing this time of year narrows with cold water temperatures, reduced cover, and slowing insect activity being the major reasons. Some still offering some fishing success include Blackfoot, Teton, and Warm Rivers. Teton and Warm Rivers offer BWO hatches that still attract trout. On the Blackfoot River diminishing caddis activity is present with success through presenting streamer patterns increasing.
Aquatic and terrestrial insect hatches are “signing off” for the year. Now is when streamer patterns should dominate in that fly box. With the wintry weather predicted for the next few days there will be enough time to ensure this suggestion. Time at the tying bench or searching the fly bins of regional shops seems better than ice in the guides, in the reel mechanism and in freezing fingers. Better weather is coming and lower river brown trout will remain active for several weeks to come.
Terrestrial insects are out of the scene as a trout food. The Firehole River offers the best top water fishing in the park, especially during unsettled weather when small BWOs emerge in good numbers. A few small BWOs may do the same on the Madison River, but the big attraction here are run-up browns and ‘bows from Hebgen Lake. That means presenting streamer patterns, whether they be large soft hackles (including those tied with marabou wound soft hackle style) or more traditional feather or deer hair wing versions. The other famed brown trout run (that in Gardner and Snake Rivers yet to peak) is that in the Lewis River system where good numbers of browns are now in the channel between Shoshone and Lewis Lakes, migrating to the river just below Lewis Lake, and moving in the river below the falls. This activity means presenting large streamer patterns through deeper holes, runs, or undercuts is the best way for encounters. It also means not disturbing redds, active or inactive, by any means. They hold the beginnings of our future brown trout population.
Irrigation water is quickly leaving the river meaning streamer fishing is improving day by day. Safe walk-in wade locations are increasing as the water drops, and we can recommend some good places to try.
Flow out of Palisades Reservoir was dropped from about 4000 cfs to 3250 cfs (now 4260 cfs at Heise, 1600 cfs at Lorenzo) on October 1st. Hatches are holding up and streamers are increasingly effective during low light conditions. Walk-in wade locations are numerous, and we can suggest some of the best to try. So get in touch if you are considering trying some.