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South Fork

Fly Fish Food Jimmy's / South Fork (Page 27)

South Fork 3-19-19

 

March South Fork

Yesterday morning flow out of Palisades Dam was raised from 3410 cfs to 4720 cfs.  This continues lowering the amount of water in the reservoir which is now at 83% of capacity. Look for more increases  “coming down the pipe”, but the river flowing clear and cold while running through the Snake River Plain offers some fishing success. Try rubber legs and streamer patterns.  We are in a period of nice days. Banks along the river are free of ice and snow as seen in the picture above.  So the South Fork offers a chance to get out and enjoy the nice weather.

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South Fork 3-5-19

Flow out of Palisades Dam was raised late Friday from about 900 cfs to 2400 cfs. This reflects USBurRec belief that a big run-off season is coming and room in Palisades Reservoir ( now about 85% full) is needed to contain the resulting melt.  More flow increases are likely, and these will impact fishing.  But the higher flows are very beneficial to resident salmonids which had a tough winter enduring low flows.

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South Fork 11-27-18

At Heise Br. (640x480)

A good approach for winter fishing on the South Fork by wading is to concentrate fishing the pools and deep runs.  Presenting streamers and rubber legs patterns on sink-tip lines and short, stout leaders should be the most effective strategy. With the winter flows to be around 900 cfs, there are numerous locations to apply this approach, some of which offer hundreds of yards of easily reached water. We at the shop can suggest some good locations for visits.   Dress warmly and be sure your waders are in leak-proof condition!

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South Fork 11-20-18

The flow out of Palisades Dam is 938 cfs. That’s around the maintenance flow through the winter.  The current flow at Heise is  better for the fish at 1390 cfs.  There are plenty of walk-in wade locations, but there are places with some icing. Get in touch with us to learn some of the best locations for wading.

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South Fork 10-27-18

 

At Heise Br. (640x480)

Flow out of Palisades Reservoir was reduced to 1770 cfs last night.  Now there is an excellent number of places for walk-in wade fishing. Come into the shop so we can suggest some of the best of these to you. While top water fishing  through BWO and midge activity may stay constant for now, streamer and large nymph presentation will soon be the best way to meet action from large trout. It is also the time of year to pay attention to weather reports. For example, next week will feature a cool-off and unsettled weather.  Keep that nice warm clothing close by. Looks like you may need it!

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South Fork 10-16-18

 

At Heise Br. (640x480)

Here is USBurRec intent for managing water flow out of Palisades Dam for the upcoming months: “Flow out of Palisades Dam will be reduced 523 cfs this evening, October 15, 2018. Outflow from Palisades will be 2,927 cfs tomorrow morning. Discharge out of Palisades will continue to be reduced over the next few weeks until ~900 cfs, where it will remain through the winter.” BWOs and diminishing mahogany duns continue to provide good dry fly fishing throughout the river.  The best way to encounter larger trout here is through presenting streamers.  For both types of fishing, low light conditions are best.

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South Fork 10-13-18

 

Just above Heise Br. (640x480)

Do not let that stair-step drop in flow out of Palisades Dam  (currently 3400 cfs, 4280 cfs at Heise, and 1730 cfs at Lorenzo) stop you from a fly-fishing visit to the river. Those flow changes, especially this time of year, are something the fish seem use to. Certainly there is less boat traffic on the river than just a few weeks ago and the dropping flow opens more walk-in wade locations.  Fly pattern suggestion remains the same; BWO, caddis, and mahogany dun life cycle, streamers, and rubber leg nymphs.   An overcast day, like today, will likely mean better fishing success than the nice days predicted to begin the middle of next week.

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South Fork 10-8-18

 

 

Just above Heise Br. (640x480)

Here is a note describing USBoR South Flow management for this week: “To account for decreases in diversion, BoR is decreasing flow out of Palisades Dam 470 cfs this evening (Oct. 8th).  Discharge out of Palisades will be ~5,230 cfs tomorrow morning. Cool, wet weather throughout the week will likely warrant another reduction in flow before the weekend. Anticipate a similar drop in flow Thursday night or Friday.”  BWO and mahogany dun life cycle patterns continue to produce.  As the month goes by streamer patterns will become increasingly effective.

 

 

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