South Fork
Flow out of Palisades Dam remains almost flat about 12100 cfs and has for several days. Water managers have concern for irrigation water availability next year, and thus are keeping these cool and moderate flows in the river which benefit resident salmonids. The same gage reading situations apply downstream (about 12400 cfs, at Heise, 7300 cfs at Lorenzo).
The entire river offers excellent dry fly fishing. Golden stones in upper sections, PMDs in riffles, hopper/dropper rigs any time and caddis during PM hours. When PMs begin to diminish, pink ladies (epeorus) begin to expand. Fish early as possible or during evenings to avoid maximum crowding and recreational boaters.
Early AM golden hatches are just beginning. Weekends will see most use of launch sites. Be tolerant at all launch sites. Slower, deep waters are best locations to try rubber leg and streamer patterns. Be careful wading!
Flies to fish:
