South Fork

South Fork, November 28th, 2023

As with the Henry’s Fork below Ashton Dam, water temps are dropping to a level where fish are less active. Brown trout are still in a spawning mode, so streamers of choice are still effective when presented away from redds. Don’t overlook such patterns as rubber legs and San Juan Worms.

A gated closure to all motorized vehicles from the River Road-Table Rock Road junction upstream by the US Forest Service will begin December 15h to protect wintering wildlife. Access via skis and snowshoes is permitted as fishing remains open on the river.

South Fork, November 21st, 2023

Almost overlooked by many fly fishers is the autumn run of brown trout out of Palisades Reservoir into Wyoming’s Salt River. Some of its hosted browns and those from the reservoir migrate into tributaries flowing from Idaho. Jackknife Creek, Stump Creek and particularly Crow Creek receive a portion of these brown trout, and both have flows enough for this migration to take place this year thanks to the big snowfalls of last winter. Jackknife Creek flows through National Forest land. Private land abounds on Crow and Stump Creeks, but a diplomatic approach can gain access from time to time.

South Fork, November 18th, 2023

Flow remains at ” Winter Maintenance Levels.” Note that BWO activity is declining everywhere as the season progresses towards winter. Midge activity will remain throughout the winter but will vary greatly depending on air and water conditions. So consider stocking up on midge life cycle patterns and be sure those leaders with 5X or 6X tippets are “up to snuff.” Presenting streamer and nymph patterns will remain effective when presented into deeper water throughout the winter.

South Fork, November 13th, 2023

No real changes since our last report with respect to flow, water conditions or best time of day to be on the river. However if you enjoy fishing in pleasant weather, do so in the next few days because next week normal November weather (Brrr!) will prevail.

South Fork, November 11th, 2023

Winter flow rates continue and will do so until the 2024 irrigation season begins. This means fish are concentrated in deeper water, but will come to riffles and runs to feed on hatching BWOs and midges. Nice weather is predicted well into next week making mid day fishing comfortable. If top water presentation for BWOs and midges is your preference, be sure to have their life cycle patterns in the fly box.. Streamer fishing ( including fly rod jigs) remains most successful under low light conditions.

South Fork, November 7th, 2023

Looks like we will see winter maintenance flows until the next irrigation season. Right now, water and weather conditions make BWO activity good enough for active top water fishing and for successful streamer fishing.

Ever notice the flow is greater at the Heise gage than that at the Irwin gage? That is not just from tributary water ( ie Palisades, Fall, Pine Creeks, etc.) but also from an up-welling of ground water into the river.

South Fork, November 4h, 2023

For the sake of the fish population, let’s hope this is the last drop in flow (now about 900 cfs at Irwin, 1800 cfs at Heise, and 1300 cfs at Lorenzo). out of Palisades Reservoir. However it is likely that about 900 cfs in flow out of the reservoir will be what is called the ” winter maintenance flow.” So enjoy the walk-in wade abundance from the dam on down to the Henry’s Fork confluence.

South Fork, October 31st, 2023

Flow out of Palisades Dam has been reduced again. Now is about 1170 cfs at Irwin, 2100 cfs at Heise, and 1000 cfs at Lorenzo and makes for a greater number of walk-in wade locations, but even rougher conditions for hard sided boats. Unsettled weather predicted for later this week will increase BWO activity and enhance streamer fishing success.

South Fork, October 28th, 2023

Thanks to recent cold weather, these guys are gone

Wednesday there was another flow reduction. Here are current flows at three main gage stations: about 1750 cfs at Irwin, 2800 cfs at Heise, 1100 cfs at Lorenzo. Great flow for walk-in wade fishing, not so good for hard side boats and for fish. Let’s hope USBR does not lower flows further.

South Fork, October 24th, 2023

South Fork boat ramps won’t look like this until June of next year!

Flow out of Palisades /Dam was reduced a few days ago ( now about 2200 cfs at Irwin, 3200 cfs at Heise, 1200 cfs at Lorenzo). Water downstream to the Henry’s Fork confluence is cold and clear. BWO and midges make for the best hatches with mahogany duns beginning to diminish. Browns are migrating and becoming aggressive, so streamer patterns of choice will attract them. Walk-in wade conditions are about as good as can be. Unsettled weather is coming up for the rest of the week.