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South Fork

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / South Fork (Page 23)

South Fork 9-10-19

South Fork 4

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.

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South Fork 9-7-19

 

Above Menan (640x480)

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.

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South Fork 9-3-19

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.

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South Fork 8-31-19

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.

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South Fork 8-27-19

 

Fall Cr. Falls (640x480)

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.

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South Fork 8-24-19

 

SF With Baldy 2 (640x480)

So far it has been a great year for fishing the South Fork, and indications are it will continue to be this way.   Much of this can be attributed to weather, water quality and management of flow out of Palisades Dam. That flow of quality water has been essentially constant for  much of the summer.  Riffles are plentiful and in an amount big enough to spread fishing out up and down the river.  PMDs and pink alberts continue to emerge in great numbers from them, so their life cycle patterns will bring interest from resident trout.  Terrestrial insects are adding to the great riffle fishing especially on the lower river.   Try your favorite, hopper, beetle and ant patterns.  Try double rigs such as a chernobyl variation or hopper pattern of your choice trailed with an ant or beetle pattern.

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South Fork 8-20-19

03-26-13 South Fork Bald Eagle

The good fishing is holding up, but so are the number of boats. Riffles, runs, banks, side channels: pick your favorites. Bring PMD, pink albert, sally life cycle and terrestrial insect patterns. They are all productive these days.  If you are boating, have these along with chernobyl variations, rubber legs, and super renegades.  Mutant golden stoneflies should begin emerging in significant numbers soon.  There have been no significant changes in flow for several days making for  stability in river character.

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South Fork 8-17-19

Flow out of Palisades Dam has risen slightly but will not impact the great fishing the river currently offers.  Planning to use the Spring Creek boat ramp?  Overflow parking is inconvenient, has safety considerations, and rest assured it will get crowded.   So the earlier your arrival, the better.

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South Fork 8-13-19

Above Menan (640x480)

Not much of a change since our last report. Even flow out of Palisades Dam is about the same, and walk-in wade fishing conditions are near perfect. Riffles, banks, flats, and side channels are all producing action. Pink alberts, PMDs, caddis, and hoppers, beetles, and ants bring dry fly action by mid-day. Rubber legs, super renegades and hopper-borne nymph droppers provide day-long wet fly action.

With all the hype surrounding newly created patterns, one of total South Fork reliability is nearly forgotten, except in the minds of  long-time South Fork enthusiasts.   That would the renegade in sizes 12 and 14.  Add some to your fly box and present them dry in riffles, in front of well vegetated banks, and at tops and tails of runs whether in the main river or in side channels.  You will be certain about keeping some in that fly box the rest of the season on visiting the South Fork.

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South Fork 8-10-19

 

Fall Cr. Falls (640x480)

Flow out of Palisades Dam is about 8500 cfs and reduces to around 4300 cfs at Lorenzo. Riffle fishing is holding up very well, and guides know it. That means you might receive company on your favorite riffle from around late morning to just before dinner time.  There will be less traffic and more caddis activity during late afternoon, and the further upstream you venture more of the guiding drift boats will be below you. Hoppers are coming on.

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