South Fork
SOUTH FORK
ReportThe river is in prime early autumn condition. Water coming out of Palisades Reservoir (about 10% full) remains clear and cold, and will continue to drop. Flow in the river has decreased enough to offer numerous wading locations, and trout are moving toward cut banks and vegetated banks. We at Fly Fish Food Jimmy's can recommend some of the best wading locations.
Terrestrial insects remain the main top-water food source. Mahogany duns are active during midday. BWOs are most active during overcast conditions from early AM to early PM. Caddis take over topwater fishing as evening approaches, and midges can be active throughout the day.
During low-light conditions, stripped streamer patterns interest particularly brown trout. Boat traffic on the river is decreasing, and because of low flow rates, float trips take longer for any distance compared to the same during summer. Flow varies around 4,000 cfs at Irwin, about 4,700 cfs at Heise, and about 1,800 cfs at Lorenzo.
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrials (Ants, Hoppers) | #10–16 | All day — primary top-water food source | Morning through afternoon |
| Mahogany Dun | #14–16 | Moderate — midday dry-fly opportunity | Midday |
| Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) | #20–22 | Moderate — best on overcast days | Early AM to early PM |
| Caddis | #18–20 | Active — takes over topwater as light fades | Evening |
| Midge | #20–22 | Consistent throughout the day | All day |
| Streamers (Brown Trout focus) | #4–6 | Stripped patterns drawing strikes from browns | Low light — early morning and evening |
- MIDDAY (11 AM–2 PM): Target rising trout on mahogany duns and terrestrials along cut banks and vegetated edges
- EARLY AM TO EARLY PM (overcast only): Switch to BWO dries or nymphs during any cloud cover for the best dry-fly opportunity of the day
- DUSK AND LOW LIGHT: Swap to caddis dries as evening approaches, then strip streamers — especially sculpin and olive patterns — to target actively feeding brown trout
