Idaho Fishing Report
South Fork Sponsored by The Lodge at Palisades
Swan Valley, Idaho
| Date | 04-Mar-13 | |
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| Water Temperature |
| Conditions
: South Fork: Its been almost three months since we offered a South Fork report. The big change with respect to water is the flow reduction out of Palisades Dam from about 1200 cfs to about 900 cfs. This reduction means wading is more attractive than boating in much of the river. The other change is that winter is almost finished rather than beginning, and snow and ice are leaving the river edges. With better daytime conditions already begun, getting out is more attractive. But the river remains cold with water coming out of Palisades Dam currently around 36 deg. F. This means midges will provide the only top water fishing until water warms more. Emerger patterns in the surface film or just below will bring the most responses from feeding fish. Some of the warmer, overcast days without wind (imagine that!) could offer the best action. Look for most fish feeding along riffles and tail outs. If you can get to side channels, some can also host good midge activity with fish responding. Nymph fishing can be effective this time of year when riffles and runs are targeted. Small rubber leg and standard bead head patterns are good candidates for use. Try these on floating lines for shallow waters, sink tips for deeper waters. Streamer fishing is the best way to go for a chance at larger fish. Once again, presentation is more important than pattern selection. This time of year focus most of your efforts on deeper water and use a sink tip line and short, stout leader. We suggest Clouser types, fly rod jigs, double bunny types, sculpin imitations, and large wooly bugger variations. Because of the cold water, dress for the occasion. That means either insulated waders or plenty of layers under those Gore-Tex types. Consider using a wading staff because the last thing you want is a dunking in 36 degree water. Looking for specific locations? Come to the shop and discuss these with us because we have reports from various locations. Reported by: Jimmy's All Seasons Angler |
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| Hatches: | Patterns | Lures & Spinners |
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| About: -
It is between the Henry's Fork
confluence and Palisades Dam that the South Fork is known as one of the finest
dry fly rivers in North America. All of the
Fish in the South Fork are wild and fish between eight and sixteen inches must
be released because they are the prime breeders.
Fishing Articles on the South Fork: |
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| Misc Info: -
The South Fork is now open year round to provide additional angling opportunity and give anglers the chance to help native cutthroat trout by harvesting non-native rainbow trout.
Effective January 1,2013, the Upper Snake Region the limit is removed on rainbow trout and hybrid trout in the South Fork Snake River tributaries. The limit on brown trout is two, with none under 16 inches, and no cutthroat may be harvested. The South Fork tributaries (Burns, Pine, Rainey, and Palisades creeks) do not open until July 1. |
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