South Fork
SOUTH FORK
ReportFlow out of Palisades Dam is around 13,000 cfs, 13,600 cfs at Heise, and 8,680 cfs at Lorenzo. Coming out of the dam, this clear, cool flow keeps water temperatures ideal for trout. Most trout are in slower waters such as near banks, eddies, around seams, and just behind structure.
PMDs and yellow sallies — with some damselflies on slow-moving channels — make up most of the insect activity that attracts trout toward top waters. The best time to encounter fish rising for them is between mid-morning and early afternoon. Mid-day sun tends to make trout seek out shade, depth, and other overhead cover. Ants and beetles are becoming numerous.
Wading is strictly limited to soft, shallow waters, so boating is the safest and most effective way to fish. Most popular launch sites, such as Conant and Byington, are becoming crowded especially on weekends. Bring your tolerance because not all users play by the rules.
Fish woolly bugger, San Juan worm, rubber leg, and streamer patterns and double nymph rigs deep throughout the river. Caddis activity is best during late afternoon and evening hours.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMD (Pale Morning Dun) | #16–#20 | Moderate–Heavy | Mid-morning to early afternoon |
| Yellow Sally (Little Yellow Stonefly) | #14–#16 | Moderate | Mid-morning to early afternoon |
| Caddis | #16–#20 | Moderate | Late afternoon and evening |
| Ants & Beetles (Terrestrials) | #14–#18 | Building | Late morning through afternoon |
| Damselfly | #12–#14 | Light (slow channels) | Mid-morning to early afternoon |
- MID-MORNING TO EARLY AFTERNOON (9 AM–1 PM): Prime dry fly window for PMDs and yellow sallies — target rising fish along banks, eddies, and seams.
- LATE AFTERNOON TO EVENING (4 PM–DARK): Caddis activity picks up; switch to caddis dries and swing soft hackles through runs.
- ALL DAY: Fish rubber legs, San Juan worms, woolly buggers, and streamer patterns deep throughout the river from the boat — consistent action regardless of surface activity.
