South Fork of the Snake fishing report 4.19.12
By JB. Filed in South Fork Fly Fishing report |
Flows on the South Fork have been dropped over the past few days to 8000 cfs. This is so the new bridge just downstream of Palisades Dam can be completed. This new bridge was built to keep everyone from driving over the Dam for security purposes. Flows will be gradually increased next week and flushing flows should be completed the first week of May.
This flow drop will not affect the fishing, it might even make a bit better. Deep nymphing has been the name of the game recently with most trout still holding in their winter lies. Double nymph rigs with the fist fly 9′ down have been the ticket. Stonefly imitations like #6-10 Rubberlegs followed by #16-18 Black or Olive Copper Johns have been productive. Throwing streamers on sinking lines has been picking up some larger trout on the lower river below Wolf. Rust, Olive, and White Bow River Buggers have been good flies to try.
With our warm Spring and relatively low snowpack (80% currently), we are expecting an excellent early season on the South Fork! After the flushing flows subside in May, the Caddis and Skwala Stonefly action should be the best we’ve seen in about 5 years.
We guide out of the Lodge at Palisades Creek in Irwin and they are running a guide trip special of $395 for a full day until June 15th. What a bargain! Last falls fish counts reported over 5000 trout per mile, the 2nd highest report since the mid 80’s. Don’t miss out on the fantastic early season fishing!
Early season nymphing is producing nice trout!
