South Fork

South Fork 7-24-12

Riffle fishing has not reached its peak on the river.  Best riffle fishing method these days is to use dry-dropper combination.  Otherwise try  hitting the banks with your favorite chernobyl type big enough to support a small bead head dropper.  This technique has been working very well on the upper river.  Be ready to break out streamers at the end of the day.

From a fishing standpoint we have been fortunate to have stable flows below Palisades Dam for several weeks.   According to US Bureau of Reclamation it is likely that flow out of Palisades could remain constant through August to replenish water in American Falls Reservoir and to maintain flows for irrigation  just above the reservoir.  When water in the reservoir is at a comfortable volume to cover irrigation and demand for it just above the reservoir slows, look for flow out of Palisades to drop. We will be in contact with US Bureau of Reclamation to keep on top of flows in the South Fork.

South Fork 7-21-12

No significant change since the July 19th report. We have heard that golden stoneflies are emerging along the upper river and therefore providing good fishing for anglers slamming the banks with chernobyl types of choice.

South Fork 7-18

Fishing has been good on the South Fork. All sections seem to be fishing well. The Salmon Fly hatch has now moved through the entire river and fish can still be caught on Salmon Fly patterns from the Dam down through the canyon. Golden stones have been effective when fished tight against the bank.  The CFO Flamer Ant, Simulators and chubby Chernobyls have been working well for patterns.  Bead head nymph as droppers will pick up those fish weary to rise to dry fly. Run the dropper 18 inches to 3 feet below the dry. No consistency on PMD hatches, but we should start seeing those hatches any day now. Keep checking back as we try to keep this report updated.

South Fork 7-17-12

Conditions on the South Fork this year are those that have made it famed or fishing.  Water flows have not only been ideal for float fishing, but also nearly constant.  Insect activity has been nearly as expected, and weather, if a bit on the hot & dry side, good.  As a result visitations are up, not just through guiding operations but from visiting anglers prefering to go on their own experience.  Want to get away from much of the crowds?  Begin fishing about 6PM and stay on the water to dusk.  Riffle fishing will still be great with caddis taking over and there is the possibility of a spinner fall.  Try throwing a streamer when the light is leaving the river. Recently fishing slowed on the lower river because water has been shut down from the Big Feeder meaning increased flows in the river below. Given a few days the river will stabilize and good fishing will return.

South Fork 7-14-12

No significant change here since our 7/12 report.  Follow our fishing suggestions within it.  We are so fortunate that flows out of Palisades Dam have remained constant at an almost ideal level for fishing for so long.  This cannot last forever during this so far hot and dry growing season.  Sometime in the future there will be an flow increase that will effect fishing. We will keep our eye on the South Fork gauge just below the dam to warn when this happens.

One other thought; please consider courtesy when using boat launch facilities. If you see a “crunch” coming, maybe have some more of whatever refreshment and tell another story.  Hey; we are fly-fishers! Each of us has a backlog of stories. Who cares about believabilty whnit is all in fun!

South Fork 7-10-12

Top water fishing here is improving considerably. Bring PMD and sally life cycle patterns for trying the riffles.  Cycle from nymphs to emergers and cripples to duns as the day progresses.  Fish will switch their interest through this cycle as the day progresses, so be ready to change your patterns. This kind of fishing should last for weeks to come as long as water levels, now close to ideal, stay where they are now.  If they do, you will experience the fishing for which South Fork is famed.  Overall nymph fishing is very good. Some big bugs remain in the canyon and periodically produce good fishing, and evening caddis activity brings responses from fish all along the river.   The time to be on this best of rivers is just beginning.