Flow out of Palisades Dam was lowered yesterday to 4940 cfs ( flow at Heise now 5860 cfs, flow at Lorenzo now 3100 cfs). That action makes for more wading locations than possible at normal mean flow of 6750 cfs for this date. We can can suggest some of the best of the now numerous wading locations. Call or email the shop ([email protected], 208-524-7160). If weather forecasts are correct, the rest of this week looks like “BWO weather.”
Once again the South Fork flow graph for this week looks like a step function. Flow out of Palisades Reservoir was reduced yesterday to 5600 cfs ( now 6400 cfs at Heise, 3870 cfs at Lorenzo) from around 9000 cfs with several smaller drops throughout this week. Flow at this level will open up a lot more wading opportunities but make boating a bit tougher. Next week looks stormy, so look for continued good BWO and mahogany activity.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.