No drop in flow here but mayfly activity on the lower river is similar (good) to that of the South Fork. Tiny BWOs (pseudocloeon edmunsi) are coming out on the lower river in numbers good enough to interest trout into near surface feeding. That means presenting very small (#18-22) life cycle patterns. Good luck if you tie into a trophy individual using one of these patterns!
Over the last two days flow out of Palisades Dam has been dropped sequentially to the current 7900 cfs. (now 4900 cfs at Lorenzo). This will not impact the BWO-mahogany dun activity. The currently cool weather is just the ticket to keep this activity going, but will slow hopper and other terrestrial insects fish like down to a crawl (literally!). Now that irrigation season is ending, look for more drops coming in flow out of Palisades Dam.
The predicted change in weather to stormier conditions this coming week is sure to bring on the late season BWO and mahogany dun mayfly activity. Consider stocking up on life cycle patterns for these two insects as they will help continue the great top water fishing we have had this year on the river.
Flying ants have arrived along the upper river, so add these to the grasshopper abundance, and terrestrial insect patterns of these should accompany your visit to this part of the river. Mayflies activity is reduced to a spotty trico emergence with some speckled duns thrown in. Caddis are still active here, but seem to be less in favor than especially ants according to resident trout (and whitefish). As always occurs this time of year, extensive weed beds put some limits on wet fly fishing and make escape havens for large hooked trout (and whitefish).
Water flow and temperature remain constant (around 9800 cfs at Irwin, 10200 cfs at Heise, 5100 cfs at Lorenzo) and mayfly hatches seem to be holding up. If you want to encounter fish looking for mutant golden stoneflies, best to be on the river at first light. Thundershowers and cooler weather are predicted for later this week. Hopefully this will help bring on the September BWO and mahogany dun activities because the current pink albert activity will begin to decrease with the onset of cooler weather.
Because of a fire in the drainage, the trail up Big Elk Creek is closed until further notice. To find when the trail opens, call Caribou-Targhee National Forest: 208-524-7500.
Most small streams are down to base flows. For headwater streams this means larger fish are moving downstream seeking more overhead cover opportunities. Look for decrease in recreational boaters and boarders on the river in Teton Basin where dry fly fishing (hoppers, PMD, sallies) has been good.
Tricos are emerging in mornings from river below Mackay Dam. Flow out of the dam is still a bit high for easy wading, so do with care.
Flows and water temps remaining constant, but look for flows to drop soon as irrigation season is past its peak, and Palisades Reservoir storage will begin soon. Pink albert and PMD action in riffles will drop, but riffle action will return with mid-September BWO and mahogany dun activity.
Consider the South Fork to be the “Tom Brady of Fly-Fishing” this season. It shows no signs of slowing down with respect to quality fishing performance! Riffles, runs, side channels, and banks remain productive. Flow, water quality, and water temps have been consistent and weather has been great. The fall mayfly peak ( BWO, mahogany duns) is not far in the future, and indications suggest that event will also be another of high quality. So whether wading or boating, look forward to more great fly-fishing experiences here before the snow flies.