Fishing Reports

South Fork, July 31st, 2024

Water flow out of Palisades Dam is now just under 9000 cfs and has been dropped step-wise from around 12000 cfs on July 19^th .  Flow reductions such as this; 3000 cfs in eleven days, give salmonids a chance to adjust resulting in much less impact on salmonid activity whereas an abrupt drop of this much would have a noticeable negative impact.  Caddis fly, remnant golden stone, and PMD activities make for top water activity which can be spotty in places. Nevertheless the South Fork currently provides the best stream fishing in the area.

Flies to fish:

• Elden’s Golden
• Harrop’s CDC Bubbleback Caddis-Tan
• Dornan’s Micro Royal w/ Cheese
• Harrop’s CDC Parachute Spinner-Pink Albert

South Fork, July 27th, 2024

Although flow is lower than average for this date, water conditions could not be better. Top water fishing is due mostly to PMD and caddis activity in and around riffles up & down the river. No significant pink albert or mutant golden stone numbers yet.

Palisades Dam boat ramp and Palisades Creek boat ramp and campground are undergoing a pavement project meant to improve access and visitor experience. Palisades Dam site will be closed starting Monday, July 29, until approximately Friday, Aug 9, while that portion is completed and the pavement cures. Palisades Creek boat ramp and campsite will remain open during this time to allow continued boat access to the upper section of river. Once the Palisades Dam site is completed and usable, construction will begin at the Palisades Creek boat ramp and campground, and it will be closed for public access until completed. Closure dates for the Palisades Creek site have not yet been finalized. This story will be updated when more information is available on the opening and closing of both locations.