South Fork

Presently offering great top water fishing which rivals that on the Madison River. Giant and golden stone flies are active along the upper river. Some green drakes, plentiful PMDs, sallies, and PM caddis are the reasons. Even hoppers are appearing along sunlit banks. Flow out of Palisades Dam has been almost flat at about 12400 cfs for several days. The same with downstream gages (about 12300 cfs, at Heise, 6600 cfs at Lorenzo).

Palisades Reservoir is about 80 % full. Small changes in flow like a few hundred cfs have no effect on fishing quality. Slower, deep waters are the best locations to try rubber legs and streamer patterns. Be careful wading in this strong, really cold water.

Flies to fish:

• Dornan's Micro Circus Sally
• Elden's CDC PMD Emerger
• Elden's Golden