South Fork

South Fork, November 27th, 2021

Sporadic midge activity will be the only time for top water action from now through the winter. “Blue Bird” days will provide times when such activity peaks. Otherwise, most fishing success will come from presenting streamer, woolly bugger, and rubber leg patterns.

Flow in the river is staying much the same as in recent weeks. The foremost thought in water manager’s minds is to fill Jackson and Palisades Reservoirs. All water users hope that this winter will provide enough snowfall in the drainage to do so.

South Fork, November 20th, 2021

Palisades Reservoir is gradually filling. Now it is at 12% of capacity. Today USGS flow gages show about 890 cfs at Irwin, 1400 cfs at Heise, and 950 cfs at Lorenzo. Flows throughout the winter will likely be around these amounts. We will keep track of these flows because of the huge public interest in how winter water conditions will impact to next year’s season.

With respect to fishing; streamer, rubber legs, and woolly bugger patterns will be most effective for months to come. During this time top water fishing will be somewhat sporadic and reduced to using midge life cycle patterns

South Fork, November 9th, 2021

We might be down to winter maintenance flows ( about 950 cfs at Irwin, 1400 cfs at Heise, 850 cfs at Lorenzo). Water is becoming too cold for BWO activity, so top water fishing may be down to only midge activity. Presenting streamer and woolly bugger patterns will get you more activity in these pre-winter days.

South Fork, November 6th, 2021

Flows along the river are about 950 cfs at Irwin, 1410 cfs at Heise and 900 cfs at Lorenzo. These could be much of what we will have during the winter as all effort will be made to fill Palisades Reservoir. Low flows or not, now is the time to present streamers as brown trout are migrating. On going further downstream, the more brown trout will be encountered.

South Fork, November 2nd, 2021

Flow out of Palisades Dam was dropped to 825 cfs today. This decrease has yet to reach downstream, so is yet to be detected by Heise and Lorenzo flow gages. Flow into the Dry Bed has been stopped which will impact flows at these gages. This drop will certainly concentrate fish in deeper waters, dry up many side channels, impact aquatic life forms, and add dangers to boating.

South Fork, October 30th, 2021

Flow in the river is now at 1310 cfs at Irwin,1860 cfs at Heise, and 428 cfs at Lorenzo. These flows make walk-in wade fishing of holes and deep runs most attractive. Many side channels are de-watered. IDF&G salvage orders are in place for the entire canal system meaning fish in these waters, including cutthroat trout, can be creeled by any legal means. Refer to the IDF&G 2019-2021 Fishing Seasons and Regulations bulletin or web site to determine legal methods and regulations for doing so. Consider that these fish, if not harvested, will be wasted.

South Fork, October 26th, 2021

Flow out of Palisades Dam was reduced yesterday to 1320 cfs ( now 2030 cfs at Heise, 700 cfs at Lorenzo ). Flow this low can de-water many side channels. Especially from Lorenzo on down, wading is the best way to approach the river. BWOs still offer good top water fishing, but presenting streamers and woolly bugger types is gaining in being effective.

South Fork, October 23rd, 2021

What applies to the Henry’s Fork applies with respect to fishing strategy applies here. Palisades Reservoir is at only 5% of capacity, and with winter snowfall quantity ahead uncertain, further reductions in flow could happen.

South Fork, October 19th, 2021

Other than flow out of Palisades Dam being reduced slightly to 1750 cfs ( now 2350 cfs at Heise, 910 cfs at Lorenzo), there is no significant change on the river. So use the fishing strategies we offered in our Saturday, October 15th fishing report.

South Fork, October 16th, 2021

With Palisades Reservoir down to 5% of capacity it is no wonder that flows are being reduced (now 1820 cfs at Irwin, 2430 cfs at Heise, 960 cfs at Lorenzo). This makes the river a ” fly fishing heaven” for walk-in wade anglers but creates some tough places for the boating angler. Nevertheless the BWO and mahogany dun and PM caddis activity continues. Presenting streamers becomes increasingly effective. Crowds are down, but fall colors are all but gone, Good fishing with better tranquility reigns.