High Flows, but our guides love it!
Well, here come the flows! In preparation for Spring runoff the Bureau of Reclamation has raised flows on the South Fork to 18,000 cfs and rumor has it the flows could go to 20,000 soon. The goal here is to get Palisades Reservoir to 50% capacity so they can “catch” the runoff and keep flows below any flood levels.
I think it’s pretty safe to say that most anglers are not fans of flows that are this high. It makes wade fishing access pretty much impossible and fishing from a boat difficult as well. Dry flies? You can pretty much forget about it. But the funny thing is, our guides LOVE this time of year. Why? Well there’s next to nobody on the river AND the fish are EATING!
It might not be pretty, strike indicators, split shot, and flies that are certainly not traditional. Tie on that big, bright, ugly thing that you’re almost afraid to use and and put it in the right spot and well, they work! The key here is “right spot”. Our guides focus on “soft water” areas where the flows are slowed by islands, logs, willows, etc. In the summer our guides might fish 90% of the river this time of year they might only hit 2 or 3 spots all day and really focus on these areas where the fish are sitting (to get out of the heavy flows) and eating.
This Week’s Top Flies
- Egg patterns
- San Juan Worms (the biggest ugliest ones!)
- Stonefly Nymphs (same as above, pick a big one)
- Bead Head Prince
If you’re interested in learning more, need some flies, or want to book a guide come by our shop or give us a call. 208.483.2222
Have fun out there.