South Fork, June 2nd, 2020
Flow out of Palisades Dam was increased to 14900 cfs last night. This change will impact riffle fishing more than doing the same in other features of the river. So look for a decrease in BWO activity along the river.
South Fork
South Fork May 28th, 2020
Flows on the South Fork were bumped recently from 11,000 to 13,800. Fishing has been very good on the river both with nymphs and streamers. Recently blue winged olive hatches have brought fish up when conditions are right. We get a lot of questions about the water clarity this time of year and even though the water is typically “green” because of snow melt up high, it is very fishable! Give us a call at the shop or stop by next time you are around and we can get you squared away.
South Fork, May 9th, 2020
Since May 5th flow out of Palisades Dam has been stepped up from 14000 cfs to 15400 cfs. This 10% increase should not impact fishing especially because the river remains clear but cold. Palisades Reservoir is about 65% of capacity with a lot more run-off to come.
South Fork May 2, 2020
Flow out of Palisades Dam has been steady at about 14000 cfs for about a week with Palisades Reservoir at about two-thirds of capacity. Look for the country side to begin greening up, but no big changes in fishing conditions for now.
South Fork, April 25th, 2020
Flow out of Palisades Dam has been steady at around 13800 cfs for about a week (Now 16200 cfs at Heise, 10900 cfs at Lorenzo). The river is flowing clear and cold for now. Big nymphs, rubber legs, and streamers with midge life cycle patterns in calmer waters being a good choices for success. Palisades Reservoir is about 70 % full making room for certain upcoming run-off thanks to our warming days.
South Fork, April 20th, 2020
Flow out of Palisades Dam was tweaked upward to 14000 cfs (now 16000 cfs at Heise, 11700 cfs at Lorenzo). Flow remains well within the range of that for summer, so keep the fishing strategy recommended for the river in our recent reports.
South Fork, April 18, 2020
Flow out of Palisades Dam was increased to 13500 cfs yesterday ( now 15500 cfs at Heise, 12200 cfs at Lorenzo). These flows remain in the range of what is expected during summer, and all boat launch sites are open. Palisades Reservoir is now about 75% full to contain upcoming run-off. The river has clear, cold water throughout making streamers and large nymph patterns (Bitch Creek, Montana nymph, etc) and rubber legs, best bets for successful fishing. Try trailing a San Juan worm, squirmy wormy, or otter egg behind a big nymph or rubber legs.
South Fork, April 14th, 2020
Over the last few days flow out of Palisades Dam was upped to 12200 cfs over the last few days (now 14400 cfs at Heise, 10500 at Lorenzo). Don’t let this increase, which brings the river to near summer flow rates, stop you from presenting streamer and nymph patterns including rubber legs especially with the river remaining so clear.
South Fork April 10th, 2020
Flow out of Palisades Dam has been steady at around 10,000 cfs for several days. However flow out of the dam will be increased to 12,500 cfs later today. This action is making reservoir room (Palisades Reservoir is currently at 85% of capacity) for upcoming run-off and to meet downstream irrigation demands. The increase will likely put a “temporary dent” in fishing success, so allow a couple of days for fish to adjust and a return being active.
South Fork, April 7th, 2020
What part of the river?
Since April 1st flow out of Palisades Dam has been raised from around 5000 cfs to a bit over 10000 cfs ( now 12500 cfs at Heise, 7900 cfs at Lorenzo). Palisades Reservoir has dropped to about 85% of capacity and certainly will drop further meaning more flow in the river below. Consider using the same fly selection strategy we have given in recent fishing reports, and even though we are open on the limited basis we will pass on conditions that impact fly fishing on the river. With social distancing a best practice during the current crisis, the South Fork, with many walk-in locations, is a top candidate for enjoying fishing without a crowd. Get in touch with us ( 208-524-7160); we can suggest an number of such locations.