South Fork

South Fork, October 12th, 2021

The storm will make back country roads along the river a bit difficult. But this situation is only temporary, and days of good fishing will remain for weeks to come. Windfall of this early storm is that it begins the water storage year in the drainage as snow will likely stay at higher elevations, and it adds acre-feet to in-line reservoirs. Flow in the river is at normal levels for this time of year (3540 cfs at Irwin, 4140 cfs at Heise,1790 cfs at Lorenzo) and usual activity (presenting BWO, mahogany dun, midge life cycle, double nymph rigs, streamer patterns) continues.

A tip from Jimmy G. is that on seeing rising fish in good numbers, presenting soft hackle patterns of taking could bring happy results.

South Fork, October 9th, 2021

Palisades Reservoir is down to 6% of capacity, and that is the reason for dropping flows in the river below (now 3490 cfs at Irwin, 4280 cfs at Heise, 1680 at Lorenzo). More drops in flow are coming. Nevertheless, the river offers a variety of good fishing from top and near-top water with BWO, mahogany dun and caddis life cycle patterns being effective. Streamers and woolly bugger types are becoming more productive as the fall season advances. Don’t let the current unsettled weather stop you from trying any of these types of fishing as each picks up under unsettled weather conditions.

South Fork, October 5th, 2021

Flow out of Palisades Dam was dropped to 3940 cfs yesterday (now 4660 cfs at Heise, 2090 cfs at Lorenzo). These flows are great news for walk-in wade anglers through making the river safer and offering even more locations for such an approach. Unsettled weather coming up the next several days is another piece of good news for top water fishing as BWO and mahogany hatches will be at a peak. Trout will also be more receptive to streamer patterns during this period of unsettled weather. If you want to enjoy the beautiful fall colors along the South Fork, you’d better hurry. They won’t be around much longer!

South Fork, September 25th, 2021

Flow throughout the river is normal for this time of the season, but with Palisades Reservoir at only 9% of capacity more reductions are coming. The low volume means the river is cutting through silt beds giving some discolor to water coming into the river below. BWOs and Mahogany duns are active, but during these sunny days their numbers will be down with hatches concentrated in areas out of direct sunlight. Unsettled weather is predicted during the middle of the upcoming week, and such will intensify their activity.

streamer will bring action during evenings and early AMs.

South Fork, September 21st, 2021

Flow out of Palisades Dam has been reduced to 6560 cfs which is about average for this date ( Heise 7390 cfs, Lorenzo 4020 cfs, both about average). These flows open up a great number of walk-in wade locations, and the fall mayfly activity peak of BWOs and mahogany duns is ongoing up and down the river. We can suggest which locations might be the best to visit for enjoying fish responding to this activity.

The above picture shows another reason for visiting the South Fork as fall foliage colors are changing.

South Fork, September 18th, 2021

Palisades Reservoir is at 16% of capacity, and flow out of the dam is 7800 cfs ( 8830 cfs at Heise, 4400 cfs at Lorenzo) today with more reductions coming up. It’s been a slow year for mayfly activity on the river. Let’s hope the upcoming unsettled weather brings on decent BWO and mahogany dun hatches. With fall colors beginning to show, now is a scenic time to be on the river.

South Fork, September 14th, 2021

Flow out of Palisades Dam has been reduced to a bit over 8000 cfs the last few days (now 9150 cfs at Heise, 4190 at Lorenzo). Let’s hope the cooler, cloudier weather predicted for next weekend brings on increased BWO and mahogany dun activity. Meanwhile, rely on hopper-dropper and two nymph rigs, afternoon caddis activity, and evening streamer presentation for action.

South Fork, September 11th, 2021

Palisades Reservoir is at 20% of capacity. With an uncertain prediction of snow fall next winter, look for flow in the river to be reduced. It is now slightly above normal because a demand for some irrigation water remains.

South Fork, September 7th, 2021

Not much of a change since our last report. Flow throughout is gradually dropping to seasonal normal. Mutant golden stones are active but diminishing. We need some cool, cloudy weather to get the autumn BWOs and mahogany duns going in significant numbers.

South Fork, August 31st, 2021

Flow throughout the river is about normal for this date. . Early AM mutant golden stone activity continues to provide best action, but being on the river at first light begins the best time to enjoy fish responding to it.