Autumn Colors Are Coming
Palisades Reservoir is about 60% full, so look for flows out of it to decrease almost systematically as summer winds down. This action will make for a great choice of walk-in-wade locations and make boating tougher. Presenting streamer patterns in the evening will become increasingly effective too. Unsettled weather predicted for later this week could bring on the so far scarce autumn mayfly (BWO & mahogany dun) emergences.
Small increases in flow do not impact water quality in the river or fish activity. Terrestrial insects, PMDs and caddis make for continued good dry fly fishing. Fall colors are not far away! The Jackson Hole One Fly is this weekend, so there may be an increase in traffic on the river.
Flies to fish:
After this weekend, look for reduced boat traffic on the river as folks return to school or wrap up vacations. But look for an increase in mahogany dun and BWO activity and a sustaining bank side terrestrial insect population.. The river has a lot to offer this time of the year besides good fishing. There is increased tranquillity, better chances for solitude and usually fine weather. Even though Palisades Reservoir is about two-thirds full, water conditions on the river could not be better.
Fish the vegetated banks
Minor drops in flow out of the reservoir have been going on for much of August but have no big impact on downstream trout activity. Top water fishing remains great on most of the river with much of it thanks to abundant bank side terrestrial insects. Ant and hopper patterns lead those bringing action, and precise presentation towards well vegetated banks leads the variables in having success. Launch boats early in the day to avoid crowded conditions at ramps especially those close to Highway 26.
Minor flow adjustments, usually downward recently, have no big impact on trout activity. The same mayfly and caddisfly activity as in the past few weeks continues, but terrestrial insect patterns are becoming increasingly important for success up and down the river. Expect ” hustle and bustle activity” at launch facilities (Husky’s is temporarily closed due to contract work) especially those adjacent to Highway 26. Expect weekends to have the most boat traffic.
Flow out of Palisades Dam has been nearly constant at around 9800 cfs at Irwin ( 9400 cfs at Heise, 4200 cfs at Lorenzo) for about a week, and the reservoir is about three quarters full which is good news for this late in the season. We have varying reports fishing success on the river. Mutant golden stoneflies are continuing early in the day with terrestrial insect and caddis life cycle patterns becoming increasingly effective later in the day.
Flies to fish:
Mutant golden stones are out. Combined with PMDs, caddis and terrestrial insects top water fishing is as good as it gets. Water conditions could not be better, now is the time to be out!
Flies to fish:
Crowded Conant Access
Palisades Reservoir is at 82% of capacity, and downstream irrigation demands have peaked. This means static flows in the river below, but there could mean occasional, but temporary increases. Paving is finished at the dam, but ongoing from Husky’s to Palisades Creek. Expect delays. Giant stoneflies are gone, but the mayfly season is ongoing ( it’s always PM caddis season on the river). Mutant golden stones are beginning to appear. Stream side terrestrial insects are becoming abundant, so all these actions means great top water fishing. Week days see less angler and recreationist traffic on the river thanon weekends.
Water flow out of Palisades Dam is now just under 9000 cfs and has been dropped step-wise from around 12000 cfs on July 19th . 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:
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.